Light Heavy gave Jim Bolger a third successive victory in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Having struck with Puncher Clynch in 2010 and Banimpire 12 months ago, the County Carlow handler unveiled another decent sort in the son of Teofilo, who beat subsequent Leopardstown 2000 Guineas Trial winner Furner's Green at the track at the end of March on his seasonal bow.
Kevin Manning produced the progressive colt (3-1) to lead at the distance and gallop on stoutly to keep Call To Battle at bay by two and a half lengths, with Aidan O'Brien's Beresford winner David Livingston a disappointing favourite as he failed to get into the race.
Bolger said: "I think Light Heavy will go to the Curragh (for the Irish Derby). We like him, he only does what he has to. He's a good moving horse, hardy, laid back, yet he still responds when he's asked.
"He'll come back for the Derrinstown (Stud Derby Trial), all being well. He has a fine turn of foot, there are no negatives with him."
Bolger reported his Dewhurst stakes winner Parish Hall to be on course for Classic duty at Newmarket. "He's well, he'll go straight to the Guineas," he added.
