Pat Smullen consolidated his second placing in the jockeys table when partnering a double aboard the Dermot Weld-trained pair Mermaid Island and Merger on a poorly attended all Flat card.
Mermaid Island set the ball rolling in the opening 2yo mile auction maiden, leading over a furlong out to beat All Woman by a comfortable three lengths.
The Silken Glider Stakes at the Curragh in just over three weeks is a likely target for the daughter of Mujadil, while another Weld juvenile was on the mark half-an-hour later.
Merger made an impressive debut in the colts mile maiden, heading 5/4 fav Lord Nelson early in the straight before stretching clear to beat the staying on Piano Man by five lengths.
Weld reported by phone that he may step up in distance for the nine furlongs Listed Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown on the final day of the Flat season (Oct 31).
Smullen is now on the 58 winner mark, 22 behind championship leader Jamie Spencer, but five ahead of Fran Berry who was also successful on the afternoon.
Rathgowney Lad (6/11-9/2f) rewarded support in the mile handicap, getting the better of a protracted duel in the straight with Music Celebre to prevail by half a length under Berry.
Aidan O'Brien saddled three runners in the 12f maiden, and it was the outsider of the trio Coconut Beach (14/1, paid over 45/1 on the Tote) that proved successful in the hands of Pat Cosgrave.
The Sadler's Wells newcomer was being ridden along well before the home turn but to his credit kept finding more, and got on top in the final furlong to beat Akilana by two lengths.
The Ballydoyle yard was also fancied to take the two miles conditions race with High Country but the well-backed 4/7 favourite could find no extra approaching the furlong pole.
Sandy Owen came home strongest for Michael Kinane to beat Strong Project by a length and a half, with the odds-on shot the same distance further back in third.
Trainer Pat Fahy nominated the Cesarewitch and the eopardstown November Handicap as upcoming targets on the Flat and also indicated a switch to jumping in the near future.
The lightly-raced Rajakana got off the mark in no uncertain terms on her handicap debut when taking the lady riders handicap in runaway style.
Sinead O'Keeffe's mount improved her stud value by drawing clear from over a furlong out to beat the front-running Kerry Way by seven lengths.
Rory Cleary sent Tonenili on before the home turn in division two to beat Jade Warrior by four and a half lengths.
Filed by Eilish Barry
