Maarek made an impressive return to action when running out a cosy winner of the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Naas.

The Pivotal gelding enjoyed a fine campaign last season, which included a Group Two victory at Ascot, and seemed as good as ever on his return.

Seamie Heffernan tracked the leaders on the 5/2 favourite before asking him to quicken into the lead approaching the final furlong.

David Nagle's charge stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half victory over 16/1 shot Scream Blue Murder in the five furlong contest.

“I was a bit surprised by that – to tell the truth I thought he'd badly need the run,” said Nagle.

“He's a bit special on that ground. While with other horses it slows them down with him it quickens him up.

“He'll be entered in anything over five or six furlongs and the Golden Jubilee (at Royal Ascot) would be the main aim. He's very ground dependant though.”

Heffernan added:- “Bottom line he's a good horse.”