Big guns Confront and Sir Gerry both disappointed as Paco Boy (6-1) foiled Bobs Surprise in the Bathwick Tyres Greenham Stakes.
In a race which is unlikely to have a significant bearing on the 2000 Guineas, the Richard Hannon-trained Paco Boy - who is not even entered in the Classic - showed the benefit of a previous outing as he cut down the front-running Bobs Surprise close home to win by three-quarters of a length.
Red Alert Day took minor honours, with Shallal in fourth.
Hannon said: ‘Richard (Hughes) said he wasn't liking the ground, but he thinks he will stay a mile.
‘After winning this we have got the money now, so we will have a good think about supplementing him for the Guineas.
‘The horse has really never done anything wrong.’
VC Bet installed the son of Desert Style as a 20-1 chance for the May 3 showpiece.
