'It was a big thing for them to put me up' - Nathan Crosse bags first Listed win

Saturday: Leopardstown

Life without a claim could hardly have got off to a better start for jockey Nathan Crosse as the 22-year-old pulled off the biggest win of his career on Self Belief in the Listed Trigo Stakes.

Just nine days had passed since Crosse lost his claim with a 40-1 success aboard Three Comets at Thurles, and he made his first major winner as a fully fledged professional count for his biggest supporter Willie McCreery.

A three-year-old making just his third start, Self Belief, who returned at 8-1, showed clear improvement from his previous fifth at Listowel.

The result capped a fine day for the winner's owner-breeders Ballylinch Stud given they were also involved in the ownership of Champion Stakes star Bay Bridge, by Ballylinch stallion New Bay.

Crosse said: "I'm delighted to get this. I'm very thankful to the owners and especially to Willie for putting me up. It was a big thing to do.

Self Belief: winner of the Listed Trigo Stakes for owner-breeders Ballylinch StudCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"As soon as I gave the horse a kick he took off. He's very game, good and hardy. He'll improve plenty from that, he's still raw."

McCreery's sole Ascot representative Insinuendo did the Curragh trainer proud in the Fillies and Mares Stakes, running a massive race to finish third behind Emily Upjohn at 80-1.

Cairo cut to 33-1 for Derby

Aidan O'Brien chalked up his 20th two-year-old Group or Listed success of the season when promising colt Cairo provided the Ballydoyle maestro with a record-extending 14th win in the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes.

A smart performance from the 5-2 favourite, partnered by Wayne Lordan, led to his Derby odds being trimmed to 33-1 (from 50) with Paddy Power.

It was an excellent result for the O'Brien camp as 5-1 shot Sierra Blanca stayed on well under Seamie Heffernan to clinch second late on, although he never threatened the winner and was beaten two and three-quarters of a length.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "Cairo had a good run last time in a Listed race at Dundalk when second to a nice filly of Willie Browne's [Spirit Gal] and he has stepped up again since. He's a lovely horse physically and he's done everything right so far.

Cairo: impressive winner of the Group 3 Killavullan StakesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's in the Group 1 Criterium International in France next weekend but that will probably come too soon. He's a horse to look forward to for next year."

O'Brien had no joy at Ascot on Saturday but victory in the mile maiden for Galileo two-year-old Peking Opera initiated a double at the Dublin venue.

Powell plunders October Handicap for Meade

In-form apprentice Jamie Powell had an afternoon to remember as he registered a 59-1 double. Dazzling Spirit, trained by Tom Mullins, got the ball rolling for the 7lb claimer in the 7f handicap before he struck in the concluding premier Leopardstown October Handicap on Zoffman for Noel Meade.

Results, replays and analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Members' Club Ultimate subscriber? Click here to join today and also receive our Ultimate Daily emails plus our full range of fantastic website and newspaper content