Dromineer is on course for the Galway Plate later this month after returning to form when defying top-weight in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap at Tipperary yesterday evening.
Leading apprentice Jamie Spencer, now on the 22-winner mark, gave the eight-year-old gelding a strong drive inside the final quarter mile. However, it was only after a protracted photo-finish that Tom Hogan's charge was deemed to have touched off Loquacious by the minimum margin.
Naul handler Stephen Mahon nominated the Heinz 57 Phoenix Stakes as the next target for Galloway Boy who landed the opening Cashel EBF in a blistering 57.1 seconds.
The Mujtahid colt needed to be roused up by Conor Everard before stretching clear of market-rival Finan in the final 50 yards to score by three and a half lengths.
Cork permit-holder Rodger Sweeney opened his account when the Pat Verling-ridden Pianissimo found a bit extra from the last to beat Shafqan by two and a half lengths in division two of the Billy Norris & Co Maiden Hurdle.
Fran Berry had mixed fortunes aboard 5 to 4 favourite Chanoud in the Glenvale Stud Maiden. The Mick Halford-trained gelding held Musteteer by a head but Berry was suspended two days for excessive use of the whip.
