LEOPARDSTOWN’s Thursday week card featured the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes which was won in impressive fashion by Real Appeal (109) who was further enhancing his course form at the Dublin track.

Shane Foley only had to get serious with his mount as he ran out of targets to aim at as the long sweeping run down the outside he asked his mount to make carried them to the front.

The closing sectional of 37.25 seconds was eclipsed by Neptune Rock (80+) (37.10 seconds) but given the difference in overall race times over the same course and distance, the performance of the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding rates superior.

There was nothing to note from the placed horses, but the winner could oblige again at a similar level and confidence would be increased if returning to this venue where the son of Sidestep boasts form figures of 311.

The overall time of Neptune Rock’s maiden win may have been slower but there was a lot to like about her performance and, with the closing sectional in mind, she looks capable of making a successful step up in grade.

The daughter of Muhaarar was a different proposition than on her racecourse debut at Dundalk and was at her strongest in the final furlong, indicating a step up in trip will elicit further improvement.

The run of Bipartisanship (78+) caught the eye as the Willie McCreery-trained filly finished to good effect having endured a wide trip throughout the contest.

The daughter of Bated Breath now qualifies for a handicap mark and would be of interest in that sphere.

On her previous run, also at Leopardstown, she finished a neck in front of Maralinga who won the 45-75 handicap later in the evening.