Infraad (2/1F) had to survive a lengthy stewards’ enquiry after passing the post in front in the 12-furlong Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap.
The progressive colt showed a terrific attitude under Tom Marquand to reclaim the lead from Hatteen (9/4) late on, although in doing so drifted left and took that rival with him. A head separated the duo at the line, with the stewards judging that the incident did not affect the result. Cannes (9/2) finished third as the front pair pulled over four lengths clear.
An unlucky third at Chester on his handicap debut recently, the William Haggas-trained Infraad holds an entry in the G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York next month.
Maureen Haggas, assistant to her husband, said: “Infraad is a big, raw horse and is still learning. He is just a great big gangly baby, really, and it was all a bit complicated for him, but he managed to get the job done.
“I said to William beforehand that he was immature, and that this could all be too complicated for him. But the flip side is they always learn, and if you take them to these complicated places, they are wiser the next time. It is never time wasted, but he managed to get the job done and needed every inch of the mile and a half.
“He could need further. It would not surprise me, as he looks that sort. He is a work in progress and is going the right way. Last time he found Chester a bit complicated, so he has obviously got his act together a bit today, and hopefully he keeps progressing.”
Marquand said: “Infraad really impressed me at Pontefract when he won that day. He put the race to the sword, and everybody had crumbled by the three-furlong marker. He went to Chester, and it probably just happened a bit too quickly for him over 10 furlongs, but a mile and a half today was perfect.
“He changed leads a couple of times and wobbled around a little bit. There was a little bit of greenness, but it did not feel like it was the difference between winning and losing for us. It was just a question of whether he could react in time. He was changing leads and trying to figure it out. It is a tricky track, but he did a really good job and found the line well.
“Stepping up to a mile and a half opens plenty of doors for him. He is still working things out, so hopefully there is more improvement to come. He is a lovely horse.”
Andrew Balding said of Hatteen: “He ran very well. He coped with the rise in the weights well and is improving all the time. He is a horse with a good future.”
Dylan Browne McMonagle said of Cannes: “He ran well and travelled sweetly. I would have loved something to bring me a little bit further, stronger down to the two, but he has kept galloping well. I think with a bit more time, he will be better.”