Ralph Beckett’s 12/1 shot Pride Of Arras bounced back to his brilliant best to defeat Lambourn and co in the Group 2 Sky Bet Voltiguer Stakes.
Having burst onto the scene with a ready success in the Dante Stakes at York back in May, Pride Of Arras subsequently disappointed in both the English and Irish Derby, only managing to beat one horse home across the two contests.
However, back on the Knavesmire, the recently-gelded son of New Bay produced a smart turn of foot to sweep past his rivals and score by a commanding length from Paddy Twomey's previously unbeaten Carmers. Arabian Force ran on well to finish third, while Stay True was one spot ahead of his stablemate and dual Derby hero Lambourn, who ultimately had to settle for fifth having come under pressure at an early stage.
"He was back to his best," said Ralph Beckett. "I brought him here slightly underdone, having gelded him at the beginning of July, the week after the Irish Derby. It's seven weeks on, but I've only really done maintenance stuff with him.
"Really, we came here with no expectation, but I think the track and the flat nature of York suits him really well.
On future plans, Beckett added: "I would be tempted to think about California (Breeders' Cup) and Hong Kong for him. I think the nature of those races will suit him really well."
Gewan outpoints big guns in Acomb Stakes
Earlier on the card, the Andrew Balding-trained Gewan outpointed both Aidan O'Brien's Italy and Charlie Appleby's Distant Storm to claim the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.
An impressive winner on debut at Newbury, the striking grey was a well-backed 11/2 chance against the two big guns in the market, and with Distant Storm keen in the early stages and Italy perhaps further back than ideal, Gewan always looked poised to strike under PJ McDonald.
The son of Night Of Thunder swiftly took up proceedings with a smart turn of foot passing the furlong mark and although Italy set off in hot pursuit under Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien's Superlative Stakes runner-up never looked like bridging the gap, with the winning margin eventually a comfortable length and a half. Distant Storm faded back into third.
"He's been a lovely horse to train since he came into the yard," said Balding, who will now look to train his talented colt towards next year's 2000 Guineas.
"I think we look in that direction. PJ (McDonald) was quite taken by his attitude and seemed to think he had a bit left. I think he will stay a mile no problem, but I think we'll stick to seven this year."
