Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Laugh A Minute had acquitted himself creditably in three novice heats thus far, including an honourable second behind subsequent G3 Acomb Stakes winner Wells Farhh Go at York in July.

Having missed a beat at the start in this maximum field of 22, Andrea bided his time on the son of Mayson, who is a half-brother to our useful dual winner Horroob, and he could be spotted scything his way stylishly through the field as plenty began to wilt passing through half-way.

The Andrew Balding-trained Danzan made a sustained bid inside the final furlong, but Andrea delivered Laugh A Minute with a perfectly-timed challenge, leading inside the final half furlong to win by a comfortable length and a quarter and collect a whisker shy of £150,000.

A £45,000 purchase from Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Laugh A Minute is a strong physical specimen who should continue to improve with time and racing.

Roger said: “Laugh A Minute has always worked with ability and he has come up against some useful rivals in novice company. This intermediate trip really suited him, as did the beautiful patient ride delivered by Andrea, and this was a lovely performance. He should be even better as a three-year-old but he looks an exciting prospect.

Laugh A Minute was securing the second double in as many days for the Varian Stable team following on from the impressive success of Ashwass in the seven-furlong maiden at Chepstow earlier in the afternoon.

The son of Lonhro, who is owned by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, dotted up by eight lengths on his second racecourse start, improving significantly on the form he showed on debut at Kempton to thump his nine rivals without ever coming off the bridle.

Roger said: “This did not look a strong race on paper, but Ashwass could not have won any easier and it will be interesting to see how the handicapper assesses the form.”