THE JOHN Oxx-trained three-year-old Minsk cruised to victory in the Cesarewitch at the Curragh yesterday.

He relished the step up to two miles as he moved into the lead a furlong out under 5lb claimer Sam James to score by five and a half lengths from Cry For The Moon.

It was the first time the winner ran in the colours of Barry Connell, who also enjoyed success with Royal Reveille in a Grade Three hurdle at Limerick.

“I thought the handicapper might have got him. The rise he got after last time seemed plenty,” said Oxx, who had a treble on the day. It just goes to show you that when they are improving, you don’t know where they will end up. He’s won well again.

“I had a little doubt about the distance as he won so well over a mile and a half but he travelled well and quickened up.

“Barry (Connell) has a nice horse. It nice to see it turn out well when someone buys one.

“He’s due off to a jumps trainer now – Dessie Hughes. He’ll head on to a new life in the next few days.”

Paul Carberry produced a masterclass display on Muirhead to capture a dramatic race for the Ladbrokes.com Munster National at Limerick.

The jockey oozed confidence on the Noel Meade-trained eight-year-old to challenge Bideford Legend in the straight before pulling clear to win by a length and three-quarters with Uncle Junior third.

Carberry had to be on his guard to avoid a melee at the first fence at which Glenstal Abbey fell, bringing down Tinakellylad and For A Finish. Casey Top made the running but could not keep up the gallop for all of the three miles while last year’s winner Golden Kite unseated his rider at the fifth last when still in contention.

“I don’t know how he got through those fallers at the first. They seem to come down right in front of him. We got the luck there,” admitted Meade afterwards.

“The Troytown Chase at Navan is a possibility now or the Hennessy in England, the handicapper is hardly going to be too easy on him.