Owned by Merry Fox Stud, Spanish City has shown flashes of brilliance in his truncated career to date - including an on-the-bridle victory at this course in 2016 - and he reaffirmed his affinity for a straight track and a synthetic surface when accounting for Custard The Dragon by a length on his first start beyond sprint distances.

Settled towards the rear of the ten-runner field by Andrea Atzeni, Spanish City lobbed along behind the steady early fractions throughout the first half of the contest before making his move inside the two-furlong marker.

Produced to lead approaching the last as the Adam West-trained Bambino Lola gave way and Bint Arcano emerged from the pack to throw down a challenge, Spanish City readily asserted his superiority inside the final 100 yards before dossing in front to win a shade cosily.

An Exceed And Excel half-brother to G1 Middle Park Stakes winner Charming Thought, Spanish City was recording his third win from eight starts tonight and he looks set for a fruitful summer working his way through the handicap ranks.

Roger said: “Spanish City has always shown plenty of ability at home and his work this spring has been very pleasing. He did what he had to do tonight and saw out the trip well, which opens up more options moving forward. I hope he can climb the ranks now.”