Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s son of Helmet had already shown an aptitude for the all-weather by finishing runner-up to a Saeed bin Suroor-trained newcomer at Chelmsford in November and he put that experience to good use here, quickening clear under Dane O’Neill.

Breaking smartly from stall eight in a maximum line-up of 12, Ejaaby tracked the pace for the first five furlongs before being produced to lead on the outside as the field swept for home.

Second favourite El Cap was involved in some scrimmaging rounding the final bend, but Ejaaby put sufficient distance between himself and the pursuers entering the final furlong, edging towards the far-side rail with the race in safe keeping.

The winning margin was a length and three quarters at the line and handicap options now beckon for this strapping chestnut, who was opening his account almost a year to the day since his purchase having been a 200,000gns buy from the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in 2016. 

Roger said: “Ejaaby is still learning his trade and he did what his two-year-old form entitled him to do here. He’ll have no problems reverting to turf and his opening mark should be a realistic one.”