Nicky Henderson's nine-year-old former Champion Hurdle hero was back from a short break after finishing fourth of five in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton, having landed his first two Flat starts with ease earlier in the year.

The Italian Group 2 over a mile and a half was considered a suitable target for Michael Buckley's pride and joy and he stayed on well from the rear under Rossa Ryan, without ever looking like playing a major role in the finish.

Victory went to the Marcel Weiss-trained Stingray who was also held up early before making rapid progress between rivals in the home straight. He bounded to the front with a furlong to go and pulled away from fellow German raider Global Health, who filled the runner-up spot.

Third went to the Andrew Balding-trained Venetian Prince, who was ahead of William Haggas's dual Group 1 scorer Dubai Honour and Constitution Hill, the pair of them flashing past the post together.

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