Minella Drama displayed a very promising performance when beaten by only one-and-a-half lengths in the five-year-old geldings’ maiden at Dungarvan in January. The son of Flemensfirth was sent off favourite having come second to subsequent £400,000 acquisition Sir Gerhard on his debut at Boulta in November. The bay gelding moved through to challenge the more-experienced Erne River four out and held every chance when he briefly headed him at the second last fence. The five-year-old dug deep on the run-in, but the winner Erne River found more and came out on top. Stamina may well be his forte as he kept on very resolutely late in the day, coming very close to the winner when on his way to securing the runner-up berth. The John Nallen-trained gelding looks like he is open to plenty of improvement and will be able to put this experience to good use for new connections.