Back-to-form Ayrad the highlight of Atzeni treble

Ayrad made the most of a drop in class when running away with the £20,000 Weatherbys-sponsored 1m2f handicap, carrying the colours of his stable's triple Group 1-winner Decorated Knight to a four-and-a-half length success.

Roger Charlton reportedly had some misgivings about the six-year-old's effectiveness on heavy ground, but for Atzeni the only concern was whether he still retained his ability, as the horse hadn't shown much this campaign.

Atzeni, completing a 42-1 treble after two juvenile wins for Roger Varian, said: "That was very straightforward. He got an easy lead and it was nice to see him get his head in front again. I always thought he would handle the ground, and my only worry was whether he still had it or not. He obviously has."