So Suave powered home inside the final furlong to make a winning return to action in the mile handicap at Gowran Park for in-form trainer Johnny Murtagh. Feminista made a bold bid from the front but was pipped close home for the second time in a week at the Kilkenny venue.

Danny Sheehy got a good tune from So Suave in the closing stages as the son of Make Believe swooped to record a half-length success.

The 13/2 winner had claimed a maiden at Dundalk when last seen in November. It was a third winner this week for Murtagh, who registered a double at Fairyhouse on Monday.

Murtagh said afterwards:- “We thought he was going well with the other horses in the spring.

"I felt the handicapper was hard on him but he got it spot on there and I suppose Danny’s 5lb helped him. It was a good ride.

“Danny has been with us for the past couple of months. He’s after fitting in well with the rest of the team and I’m delighted that he’s after riding two nice winners for us over the last couple of days.

“There might be a three-year-old handicap for him at the Curragh on Derby weekend. I think a mile is a good trip for him, maybe seven at the Curragh.

“He’s an improving horse and might make up into a black type horse one day.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)