THERE may have been only 1lb between Burden Of Proof and Idris in the official ratings but the former disappointed in going under by half a length to the Jim Bolger trained Idris in Saturday's Group Three Gladness Stakes though the winner had the advantage of two recent runs.

Burden Of Proof, who in contrast to last season had the ground to his liking, looked set to justify favouritism when leading to the final furlong but he was soon challenged by the Kevin Manning partnered Idris who is also partial to soft going.

Both horses came under pressure but the consistent Idris, who finished third in this event two years ago when trained by John Oxx, got the upperhand close home. Rainbow Blues finished fourth ahead of fellow three year old Aylesbury.

The comparatively lightly raced Idris, who last season won the valuable Golden Pages Handicap at Leopardstown on fast ground and a conditions race should do well this campaign.

His owner Michael Keogh bought him from the Aga Khan and hopes to stand him at stud next spring. Bolger had earlier saddled the Ted Durcan partnered Peace Process to win the Sunnyhill Handicap, but only just from the Irish Lincolnshire runner up, The Bower.

Zagreb is one to follow. Allen Paulson's Theatrical newcomer dominated a big Ballymany Maiden field once he had nosed ahead just below the distance and forged clear to beat Sharazan by four and a half lengths.

The word was out for Dermot Weld's charge who hails from a good staying family of which the Arc winner Sagace is a member. "He was a big, weak, angular horse last year and that is why he did not run. He is still immature and has a lot to learn. He is like his sire in that he is a bit suspicious and nervous," said Weld, who sees Zagreb as antrish Derby colt and with that in mind will probably try him in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. He may not have beaten much on Saturday when he was slowly away, but he certainly finished well.

Weld and Michael Kinane completed a treble when Pegwood, successful in a maiden at Clonmel last Monday, won the Go Racing In Kildare Handicap and newcomer Escrito won the Curragh Annual Badge Maiden in the Zagreb colours. The latter, who came home well to beat Roblexie, should improve and according to his handler may be up to listed status.

However, it was not all plain sailing for Dermot Weld who was later fined £1,000 following a report that Zageb had "profrusions on the front of his show". This was contrary to Turf Club regulations and the trainer was bed for a similar offence last season. Evidence was given that these were French plates and not the American style "toe grabs".