Raffa in driving seat in Laurels

Following his semi-final victory and a favourable draw 2014 Consolation winner Midtown Raffa will likely head the market for next weekend’s final of the Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park.

Drawn in a heat with little early speed, the classy sort broke well and had far too much early dash for his rivals.

The Mossy O’Connor-trained 6-4 favourite had opened up an advantage of some five lengths before straightening up down the back, but Drive On Royal broke better than ever and did well to hold second position against the early challenge of Skywalker Echo.