Owned by Mr Paul Smith, whose colours were carried to Classic glory by St Leger winner Kingston Hill, Bowerman broke his maiden at Kempton in April when readily accounting for subsequent triple winner Ply, while his head second to Group 1 Goodwood Cup winner Stradivarius on debut at Newcastle last season was a most promising racecourse introduction.

Either piece of form suggested an opening mark of 87 could prove lenient, for all that both opponents had improved markedly for being stepped up in trip, but the handicapper’s initial assessment was shown to be on the light side as the son of Dutch Art won by a ready two and three quarter lengths.

Confidently ridden by Jack Mitchell, Bowerman sat in midfield before improving to challenge on the turn into the straight.

Long-time leader London was forced to give way entering the final furlong and while Sibilance, Believe It and C Note tried to get involved they did so in vein, Bowerman only needing to be pushed out to assert his class on this field in a time that compared favourably with the class five handicap later on the card.

A 150,000 guineas purchase from Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Bowerman is out of a half-sister to Listed winner Excusez Moi, while his further family extends to the outstanding broodmare Hasili, who has produced Dansili, Banks Hill, Cacique, Champs Elysees, Intercontinental and Heat Haze.

Roger said: “Paul has shown plenty of patience with Bowerman and it’s great that he was rewarded with a smooth victory tonight. He looks capable of cutting it a class or two above this level and there are lots of nice races in the spring we could consider for him. The world remains his oyster at this stage.”