Spirit Dancer (6/1) took the step up into pattern class in his stride to win the Group Three Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes at York.
Richard Fahey’s charge had won three handicaps at the track before his sights were raised on Saturday and he travelled powerfully throughout.
He looked in control of the group racing stands' side two furlongs from home but Flight Path was solo and marginally in front closer to the inside rail.
The picture changed inside the final furlong, Spirit Dancer running on powerfully to score by a length from El Drama (15/2) who closed late into second but couldn't get to the winner.
Favourite Nostrum raced prominently before stopping quickly passing the two furlong pole. Ryan Moore reported afterwards the colt never felt comfortable and he was found to be lame on his left-hind leg.
"Horses for courses, a lot of people say it, but he just loves this place," Fahey told ITV Racing.
"At the moment he loves everywhere though, he won at Windsor last time, he's in the form of his life and I'm delighted for Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and their team. They've been very patient with him.
"He's quite a big horse and was a little immature but he's grown into the finished article now and is improving all the time.
"I have the Bahrain Trophy in mind for him now, it's a $1million race. I had it in mind before today and that will definitely be one of his targets."
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
