Trainer Ado McGuinness, who has been hitting the crossbar recently, took the seven furlong handicap at Listowel and gave jockey Declan McDonogh a double in the process.
The Lusk-based handler, who had three runners-up on the sand at Laytown last Thursday, saw his veteran nine-year-old gelding collar Miranda’s Girl 100 yards out to win by one length at 9/2.
McDonogh had his horse fourth throughout on the rail and switched him to the middle of the track a furlong out from where he stayed on best.
Trainr Ado McGuinness said: "I wish I had a few more like him. He ran very well at the Curragh on his last run.
"He has come back down to a winnable mark and he loves this time of year. He's entered in Saturday here, otherwise he might go for the Joe McGrath handicap at the Curragh." Toufan Express had also won this race in 2009, and was following up on a return to form at the Curragh on Sunday when he ran third behind Jill's Ballet on soft ground.
There was a plunge on Miranda’s Girl on course as she was backed at all rates down from 16/1 to an SP of 8/1. She also ran fourth at this track yesterday over a mile. Star Links was two lengths back in third at 20/1.
Tough and consistent Ted Dolly who has had a busy campaign, was sent off the 7/2 favourite. He came home fourth for Joanna Morgan and Wayne Lordan.
Michael Graham
