A time 17 seconds faster than the average on the card highlights how there were no hiding places in the four-year-old geldings’ maiden at Knockmullen House that Big Mike finished second in. The €60,000 Derby Sale purchase, who is out of a four-time winner, was responsible for much of that gallop having raced from the front throughout until headed at the second last. Understandably up against a race-fit more experienced rival he tired slightly on the run-in having remained in close pursuit to the final fence, and it was notable that he was some 80 lengths clear of the third-placed finisher, who himself had form from the opening weeks of the season. He should not remain a maiden for long on this evidence.