Irish raider Thunderbear caused a bit of a surprise by landing the opening Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes at Newbury.
With proven form on the ground, Oisin Murphy was keen to make plenty of use on his mount Nymphadora (11/4) and they seemingly had plenty of their rivals in trouble with a couple of furlongs left to run.
However, Sean Levey and Thunderbear (12/1) continued to edge closer, and it was the Jack Davison-trained Irish raider who battled on strongest to score by a neck at the line.
William Haggas' Sense Of Duty, who was making her first outing since scoring in Group 3 company at Newcastle back in June 2022, stayed on nicely to grab third having been keen in the early stages.
"Once we saw the rain was coming, we were happy to give him the entry and we were glad it stayed soft," said Davison.
"He ran well at Royal Ascot [eighth in the Jersey] and won at Nottingham, and though he's had a busy season and travelled a lot he had the ground.
"We decided to drop him back to five and ride him prominently, and Sean gave him a lovely ride.
"I had an odds-on winner here [She's Quality] earlier in the season – there was pressure that day – and she will run in the Cheveley Park at Newmarket on Saturday."
Levey added: "Give credit where it's due they came here, and they conquered. He was a great ride, and he loved the ground."
