A promising second over the same course and distance on debut last month, Ekhtiyaar put that experience to good use here, pinging the gates under Dane O’Neill and establishing a clear advantage as the seven-strong field settled down at an even tempo.

Ekhtiyaar never looked in danger thereafter, skipping three lengths clear under hand-riding passing the furlong marker. Sent off the long odds-on favourite, he was eased close home to record a three and a half-length success over the William Muir-trained Secret Agent.

The victory proved a landmark one for Roger as the £4,658 first prize ensured total earnings for the calendar year totalled just shy of £2,255,000, surpassing his previous best set in 2014.

A Bated Breath half-brother to dual-Group 3 winner New Providence, Ekthiyaar looks an exciting sprint prospect for next season.

Roger said: “Ekhtiyaar made a promising debut at Yarmouth and the winner of that race ran well in a hot York nursery last week. He did what was expected of him here and he will make a lovely three-year-old – he is very much one to look forward to.”