The winner of two Group 1s already this season, Almeraq made it three in running down Paborus close home in the six furlong contest.

The pair had been separated by four and a quarter lengths in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock last time but that was on heavy ground and Paborus was expected to be better suited by this quicker surface for all that Almeraq had won on quick ground at Royal Ascot.

Paborus jumped well and raced on his own, hard against the inside rail, for much of the race but the remainder gradually moved across the course to join him.

Danny Tudhope and Paborus made their move on the run to the furlong pole and took a couple of lengths out of the field but Tom Marquand was weaving through the field aboard the 11/10 favourite and connections of the runner-up must have felt a sense of foreboding once Almeraq was in the clear.

Almeraq didn't disappoint, picking up the winner close home to win by a neck that was perhaps more comfortable than the margin suggests.

Division finished third, some three lengths and change in arrears, with Coppull fourth.

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