RACING NEWS: PROFOUND BEAUTY forwarded her Melbourne Cup claims with a smooth success in the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown last night.

The five-year-old finished fifth in last year’s Flemington showpiece for Dermot Weld, but William Hill clipped her into 14 to 1 favouritism from 16s following her Group Three victory.

Dropping back in trip to a mile and a half, Pat Smullen was content to sit in behind as Nafaath cut out the early pace before being to make his run at the top of the straight.

Favourite and St Leger hopeful Mourayan took it up some way out but despite battling bravely, he was no match for Profound Beauty with the 6 to 4 shot coming home a length and a quarter clear at the line.

“That was a very impressive performance from Profound Beauty. She was very fit and very right for today’s race but the runner-up (Mourayan) may just have needed the run. The race panned out well for us and she’ll run in the Irish St Leger next. The Melbourne Cup remains a possibility in November, but her participation will depend on how we are treated by the Australian handicapper,” said Weld.

John Oxx, trainer of runner-up Mourayan, was pleased with his colt’s run, his first since finishing third in the Irish Derby in June.

“Mourayan ran a very good race and the winner is a good filly. The plan is still to go for the St Leger at Doncaster.”

Pat Flynn recorded an across-the-card treble with Final Flashback’s win in the Saw Doctors Live On Stage After Racing Handicap, while the win completed a double for apprentice Gary Carroll.

Flynn had earlier landed a double with Belle Of The Lodge and Bay Swallow at Tramore .