Functions like a dream

Function dream is set to take on Dorans Pride in Listowel's Kerry National after her hard fought length defeat of Irish Light in yesterday's Smirnoff Chase at Galway.

The well backed favourite travelled and jumped well throughout but momentarily looked held after the last only to fight back well on the very heavy ground.

Jason Titley reported that Function Dream had blown up but got her second wind just in time and Cork trainer John Joe Walsh is certain she will improve for the outing.

"We're heading for Kerry and hopefully Dorans Pride doesn't go as well or we will be out of the handicap. She's a very good mare who is only back in work for three weeks. Jason gave her a lovely ride," Walsh said.

Irish Light's rider Kieran Gaule received a two-day suspension for misuse of the whip yet won't be too unhappy as the days fall on the Irish St Leger weekend.

Barrier Reef drifted in the market from 1 to 2 to evens but couldn't have won the Goffs Race any easier, cruising out of the dip to eventually beat Hill Style by 12 lengths.

The day's other odds-on favourite Spokane had to settle for the runner-up spot in the Vintners Race however, two lengths behind the Colm O'Donoghue ridden Willyever.

Knockdoo raced up with the pace throughout in the opening handicap hurdle and it paid off as Francis Flood's gelding stayed on much too well for the opposition and justified some good market support.

"He always runs well in the soft and if you're out the back it's difficult to make up ground in the heavy going," said Flood.

The Co. Wicklow trainer completed a first and last race double with another well-backed runner, Dawn's Double, in the bumper while in contrast Near Dunleer drifted all the way out to 25 to 1 from 6 to 1 yet sluiced home a six length winner in the Electronic Handicap.

John Hammond has kept Montjeu's range of options open by keeping the Arc de Triomphe favourite in the Group Two Prix Niel at Longchamp on Sunday. The French and Irish Derby winner has the Esat Digifone Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday as an alternative port of call.

With the winner of the Arc having been first or second in the Niel four times since 1994, the mile and a half race has developed into a very significant trial. However, should Montjeu head to Ireland instead, the Niel could well become a largely insignificant affair in the wider context of the Arc.