New Graduate looks first class after taking the honours for James Tate

The prediction that a horse is a Group performer running in a handicap looked entirely justified after four-year-old New Graduate outclassed his rivals in what looked a competitive mile contest.

Rated 90 after three runs in novice events last season, he was sent off the extremely well-backed 5-4 favourite in a 14-horse field but won like a 1-5 shot. Once rider David Allan asked him for his effort he shot clear in a matter of strides and won eased down by five lengths.

He runs in the colours of Saeed Manana and was the first leg of a good Saturday double for his trainer James Tate, who also won with the classy Hey Gaman at Leicester.