Pat Smullen and Dermot Weld warmed up for Grey Swallow's run in the King George tomorrow by teaming up to record a double at Fairyhouse.
The duo initiated the brace in the opening Commons Nursery when Gripping ran out a convincing two-and-a-half length winner over Seven Gold Rings.
The 7/4f was sent into the lead over a furlong out by Smullen and pulled away impressively in the closing stages.
Wilderness Bay had to work hard for her victory in the Fairyhouse Corporate Hospitality Maiden, however.
The Fasliyev filly duelled with Danielli in the final furlong and just prevailed by a neck at the line.
The trainer/jockey combination of King George favourite Azamour were also on the mark as Swiss Cottage justified odds of 2/7 in the TEC Electrical Median Auction Race for John Oxx and Mick Kinane.
Johnny Murtagh was a happy man after returning from a few days break to partner Dream Catch to victory in the Club Fundraising Events Handicap. The winner is owned by Murtagh's wife Orla.
Emmet Butterly has made a flying start to his career and partnered his third winner in a fortnight when Kilmore Princess took the Course Signings At Fairyhouse Handicap while East Chestnut made a stylish winning debut in the two-year-old maiden.
There was an upset in the opener at Limerick as the David Wachman-trained Aliceinwonderland (1/4f) could only finish third behind front-running stable-mate Ice Princess.
Patrick Hayes, elder brother of top apprentice Chris, saddled his first winner as a trainer when Homestead claimed the 'Passport' Coors Light (QR) Handicap Hurdle under Colm Murray.
Laoise Beag could turn out again at Galway on Wednesday following a convincing front-running success in the Personal Protection Handicap while David Kiely feels the festival may come too quick for Liscooney, who landed the Anglo Irish Bank Maiden Hurdle.
Grand Lili ran out a eight-length winner of the Mr Binman Novice Hurdle under Brian Byrnes while Nok Twice confirmed his recent good showing at the Curragh to land the Ladbrokes.ie Handicap.
