Prospect Court took the lead but only held on by a head as Paris Bell staged a late bid.

Winning trainer Alistair Whillans said: “He travelled better than I thought. He was stepping up in grade and I thought they might go too quick for him, but the soft ground made the difference.

“I’m tempted to put him away until the backend but it might dry up then so if it stays like this, I’ll have to run him again.”

Meanwhile, Charlie Tokyo (11-1) led home a one-two for trainer Richard Fahey in the 48th John Smith's Cup.

Fahey saddled five runners in the handicap feature but his chances were cut to four as Avoriaz refused to race after exiting the stalls.

Nevertheless, the Fahey team dominated as Flying Clarets made a bold bid from the front under Kevin Darley, disputing the early lead with stablemate Fortunate Isle.

But Charlie Tokyo emerged as the most likely winner turning for home as he came cruising under Jamie Moriarty before hitting the front around a furlong out.

Flying Clarets fought back but could not stop the winner as Collateral Damage came through to claim third.

Greek Well, the 6-1 joint-favourite, finished fourth, while Aidan O’Brien’s Hitchcock ran no sort of race and was well out of the frame.

Moriarty said of Charlie Tokyo's half-length verdict: "That was fantastic - just the sort of winner I needed at this stage in my career.

“He travelled well, maybe a bit too well because I got there probably a little too soon. He’s got an unbelievable amount of ability, but he does have his quirks.

“He showed so much pace and travelled so well that it was just a matter of sitting and waiting.”