Marv Michael was a snug winner of the extended 2m5f maiden hurdle in Tramore for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.
Blackmore had him tracking Truckers Cruising and sent him past that rival on the long approach to the second-last obstacle.
He was on good terms with himself in jumping it and raced away from Coole Cherry between the final two flights. A good leap there saw home by a healthy four lengths at 5/2 (in first-time cheekpieces) from Isle Of Sark (15/2) who got up for second from Coole Cherry (4/1).
"I'm delighted with that and delighted for the lads (Marv Michael Syndicate) who are great supporters. They've come all the way from Limerick and beyond. They've been patient with him, as he has taken a few runs," de Bromhead said.
"He is really improving and I'd say the cheekpieces helped him. He seemed in mighty form coming here and we were happy with him.
"He was beaten by what is probably a nice horse in Wexford and he was unlucky not to win at Down Royal last year, so he's got good form.
"The drop in trip might have helped him and being ridden more positively. I'd say two-and-a-half to three (miles) is ideal for him."
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