Captain Henry justified a short price in the median auction maiden at Ballinrobe but was made to work hard to land the spoils.
Pat Smullen hit the front over two furlongs out on the Captain Rio gelding but the 11/10f was tackled down the straight by Signore Momento
That rival got to the front inside the final furlong but Eddie Lynam's charge fought back doggedly to get on top again close home.
"He was feeling it. He's a horse that wants a bit of a cut," said Smullen.
"Hopefully he's sound in the morning. He showed a good attitude to battle back."
