A promising second on debut at Chelmsford last month, Laqab duly built on that experience here, travelling well towards the rear of the nine-runner field before making smooth headway entering the final quarter mile.

Sporting the black cap in the hands of Dane O’Neill, Laqab loomed ominously on the quarters of Dharoos and the first colours of Paul Hanagan, being driven to lead inside the last furlong and always doing enough to land the spoils by a neck.

The pair pulled two lengths clear of the promising Stanley back in third, while it was a further four and a half lengths back to Mutadaffeq in fourth in what looked a useful older-horse maiden for the time of year.

A Teofilo half-brother to three winners from the family of Oaks winner Eswarah, Laqab looks set to develop into an exciting four-year-old next season.

Roger said: “Laqab travelled well and showed a good attitude. He still has plenty to learn, but he looks to have lots of ability and I hope he is capable of landing a nice prize next season.”