Irish challenger Sanus Per Aquam overcame naivety and a turbulent journey to win the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket.
Jim Bolger's colt banished memories of a low-key run at Leopardstown 12 days ago to take this seven-furlong Group Three by a nose from Tasleet.
Sanus Per Aquam was prominent for a long way under Kevin Manning, but lost significant ground at the two-furlong marker when he was pinched for room by the runner-up and Zonderland, who missed the break and ended up finishing fourth.
Manning was forced to switch his partner towards the stands rail as Tasleet and Adventurous fought it out up front.
The son of Teofilo still looked a shade green as the field rushed towards the finishing line, but the 2-1 favourite got going again at precisely the right time and was named the winner by a nose after a photo-finish.
Bolger said: "He didn't come down the hill very well and he didn't fancy it on the loose ground - he would have handled the dip if the ground was good.
"When he hit the rising ground, Kevin thought he was always going to get there.
"This is a horse who will improve in leaps and bounds for next year."
On whether he would be seen again this season, Bolger said: "I would say no, but I've been known to change my mind.
"I've got three nice two-year-old colts - this one, Herald The Dawn, who didn't fancy the soft ground at the Curragh last time, and Smash Williams, who will be plying his trade in France next time out.
"All three, I'd like to think, are Group One prospects.
"I think I'll stay clear of the Dewhurst this year, but Sanus Per Aquam would be the one if I did have a runner in it."
