First-time blinkers worked the oracle as Un Guet Apens got up just in time to win the Children's Immunology Trust Handicap Chase at Kelso.
James Ewart's 10-year-old was bouncing back to winning form after two below-bar runs since he made a successful reappearance at Carlisle in November.
Partnered for the first time by Conor O'Farrell, Un Guet Apens wore down long-time leader Ramonex in the final few strides to win the £25,000 race by a neck.
"It think it was down to the first-time blinkers," Ewart said. "We've been thinking of doing it for a while and thought it was worth a go. Conor also thinks it might be worth stepping him up in trip. He needed every yard of it today.
"He seems to either go very close or be beaten a long way. He can sulk if he gets behind but he managed to stay interested this time, which you'd have to say was the help of the blinkers."
The valuable Kristoffersen Carpets & Flooring Handicap Hurdle was also won in a thrilling finish, with Keith Dalgleish's Mirsaale flying home to cause a 33-1 upset.
The eight-year-old had been sent off at the exact same price in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on his penultimate outing when taking on champion hurdler Buveur D'Air.
Katgary looked set to prevail, only for Callum Bewley to swoop fast and late to win by a neck.