With Leigh Roche up for the first time Little Sweetheart was really on her game in the opening Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Handicap at Dundalk.

Pat Flynn 's charge, the 11/4 second favourite, broke well, she made all, and was still travelling well two furlongs out in this five furlong sprint.

The Lawman filly soon asserted and in the end she convincingly defeated Fast In The Wind (nicely-backed 5/2 market-leader) by a length and a quarter.

"She hit the gates well as she usually does and gets at least a length. There is a fair headwind but she''s done it well. She is what she is and hopefully the handicapper is not too hard on her," said Roche.

(AM & EM)