Murtagh and Powell team up with 20/1 Signora Bellissima

Johnny Murtagh and Jamie Powell both opened their accounts for the new Flat turf season as Signora Bellissima caused a 20/1 surprise in the Porsche Centre Dublin In Support Of Breast Cancer Ireland Handicap at Leopardstown.

The Elzaam filly, who ran three times last year all over seven furlongs on varying ground conditions, made all in this 1m2f event and quickened clear early in the straight.

She held a four lengths advantage at the furlong pole but was really looking for the line in the closing stages and just held on by a short-head from the well-backed 9/4 favourite Valiant King

The pair were five lengths clear of Starry Eyed in third.

Murtagh said, “It’s great to get the first winner of the season on the board.

“I didn’t know about the trip and was just hoping that she would stay the distance. Jamie said that she got through the ground really well.

“She probably needed his 5lb and was running out of steam. We’ll keep her at a mile and a quarter and she has probably strengthened up a bit from two to three.

“Hopefully she will keep going and we will probably get her out soon rather than later while the ground is the way it is.

“She did quicken up well but it’s a long way up the straight today. Jamie is good value for that 5lb.”