Pearl Secret went one place better than 12 months ago as he powered to victory in the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock.
One of three sprinters carrying the colours of owners Qatar Racing, the David Barron-trained six-year-old had to hold the late surge of Jack Dexter.
Goldream and Take Cover set the pace in a fast and furious five-furlong dash until the pack closed in.
And in a dramatic race that saw last year's winner Hot Streak slowly away, Sprint Cup victor G Force almost brought down and Great Minds hampered as the pack tightened up at the business end, it was Pearl Secret (10-1) who lifted the Group Two spoils under George Baker.
Jack Dexter, who was also interfered with, came late on the scene and was only a neck down at the line.
Wind Fire was half a length away in third.
Baker said: "We went a good, strong gallop. He relaxed into a lovely rhythm. I probably got there a bit too soon, he idled when he got to the front. He's a smart horse on his day.
"I could see how tight it was and I went for a safe passage, which paid off."
Pearl Secret was slashed to 16-1 from 33-1 for the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot with Paddy Power.
Barron said: "We've been waiting for that to happen for a while. It's always a bit difficult with him, though, as he needs some give in the ground.
"We trained him all winter and never missed a day, and then when he ran in France two weeks ago he ran so badly we wondered why we'd bothered. I gave him a piece of work on Monday which was very good and that's all I've done with him.
"He wouldn't go to Ascot if it was firm, as he wants the ground no quicker than today.
"He's always been very quick, and has taken our eye from day one."
