Delayed gratification all the sweeter for Spear connections

Last spring, Flaming Spear was considered a good enough prospect to contest the Prix d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp. In ratings terms, he has not actually fallen that much in the intervening 19 months, but being limited to just six starts in the meantime hints at what hasn't gone right.

Nonetheless, he was back on target in the opening 1m handicap under Robert Winston.

"He's had his problems and Kevin [Ryan] has done a magnificent job in getting him back," said Winston.