Russian Soul (noseband and blinkers) is driven out by Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Russian Soul bounced back to his best as defied top-weight to win the feature at Dundalk, the Marshes Handicap.
The dual Group 3 winner finished down the field in the Rockingham on his last start and he was available at 8/1 last night with Paddy Powers.
He opened on-course at 13/2 and was backed into 11/2 at the off.
Settled towards rear he had a wall of horses in front of him from the two furlong pole. He soon found a gap between rivals over a furlong out and he kept on best to lead inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by two lengths. Master Speaker (11/1) kept on well to take second under Colm O'Donoghue for Martin Hassett while the well-backed 15/8 favourite (from 3's last night and from 9/4 on-course) Ardhoomey was a further half a length back in third under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons.
Mick Halford said afterwards: "He has a bit of class when dropped into a handicap and with his size he's well able to carry the weight.
"A lot of the credit has to go to Jamie Heavey who rides him every day as he's not simple. He does a wonderful job on him and goes off on his own.
"This horse is so genuine, sound and enthusiastic. He's been a wonderful servant.
"Shane is riding particularly well this year. He has a lot of confidence."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
