Smart performance from Keen on return

Unconquerable Keen produced a powerful front-running performance to claim the three-year-old conditions race at Dundalk.

The Michael Halford-trained gelding was soon in front in the six-furlong contest and had his rivals at work passing the two furlong pole.

Mikey Sheehy asked his mount for an effort inside the final furlong and he quickened up well to record a two-and-a-quarter length win over Exquisite Acclaim

The 11/2 winner was making his first start since finishing fourth in the Birdcatcher last October.

Halford said: "Mikey said he loved the surface. Unusually for one of ours, I hadn't brought him up.

“I thought it was a lovely race to start him off in. He loved it around there, skipped around and loved the surface.

"He showed me plenty early last year and he was probably a bit weak through the year even.

"I just thought he wintered really well. I had been pleased with his work and he was ready to start. I think there is a lot more to come from him.

"Mikey said he held onto him for as long as he could and said when he asked him to quicken, he quickened like a really smart horse.

"He's a smashing, solid horse with plenty of size and scope. He has a great mind and a great attitude. He went out there on his own and had him at it early.

"He looks like a Stakes horse and will make into one anyway."

Well backed 8/11 favourite Incrimination could finish only fourth.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)