Owned by Al Shaqab Racing, Falak is due to sell on Thursday and he advertised his credentials as a progressive staying prospect when fending off the four-timer-seeking Graceful Lady by half a length.

Breaking well from stall two, Falak was always in the right position under Silvestre De Sousa, sitting second for the first three-quarters of the race before moving up to lead passing through the half-mile marker.

Challengers emerged from the rear, with Graceful Lady, Desert Cross and Ivanhoe fanning across the track to lay down their credentials, but Falak found gamely for pressure against the far-side rail and outstayed his rivals to record what was ultimately a comfortable success.

Roger said: “Falak has been a slow-maturing horse, but he’s coming together nicely now and this was a good performance.

“He clearly stays very well and he will only improve with racing. He is a good prospect moving forward and I hope he will sell well next week.”