Hotrocket moves clear in the closing stages© Photo Healy Racing
Hotrocket surged past a duelling Spanish Tenor and Affogato to land the seven-furlong handicap at Gowran Park under Conor Stone-Walsh.
The four-year-old gelding really found his stride just outside the final furlong and motored past the aforementioned pair with 200 yards to travel.
The result wasn't in doubt as the 9/4 favourite readily moved two and a half lengths clear by the winning post.
Spanish Tenor filled the runner-up berth at 12/1 with Big Baby Bull in third at 6/1.
Trainer Joseph O'Brien said: “He had a lovely run in Cork the last day (fourth) and got back on a bit of nice ground today,” said O'Brien.
“He quickened up well. He could go to Ascot for a handicap (Buckingham Palace Stakes) or to the Curragh on Derby weekend.
“Conor is riding very well and is a big asset to us.
"He had experience pony racing and from the first time he came to us it was very obvious he was a good rider. People are copping on to it now and he's getting plenty of rides which he deserves.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
