A review of the action from Windsor on Monday, where Joshua Bryan got the fractions right from the front on Solo Hunter.
The victory of Solo Hunter in the totepool Racecourse Debit Card Betting Handicap at Windsor could be prove a significant pointer to the chances of leading QIPCO 2000 Guineas contender Eminent.
The Martyn Meade-trained six-year-old, who is the lead horse to last month's Craven Stakes winner and fourth favourite for Saturday's colts' Classic, ended a lengthy spell in the doldrums when emerging victorious by a neck in the mile and a quarter event.
Freddie Meade, assistant to his father, said: "He is such a star, this horse. When we got him we did a bad training job with him as he went up 17lb with only one win. He ran second to some good horses the year before last.
"He has been a lead horse to all of our good horses. He also leads Aclaim all the time. He is a great horse to have and if we can pick up some races with him even better."
Of Eminent, Meade added: "He is in great form. We are really pleased with the way he has come out the Craven.
"We are all looking forward to Saturday, so it's fingers crossed. Having a winner helps settle the nerves."
A discussion over a trip to Royal Ascot could be on the cards for smart hurdler Sternrubin after he made his class count in the totepool Racecourse Debit Card Betting Handicap.
The 5/4 knuckled down to prevail by a length and a half, completing a double on the card for jockey Pat Dobbs.
Terry Warner, owner of the Philip Hobbs-trained gelding, said: "He is quite a favourite of mine. He has gone up in the weights over jumps and it would break his heart flogging away with him as he is only a little horse.
"He will go chasing but we will try another Flat race first now he's won one. I think Royal Ascot might be a bit ambitious. I'd love to go but I don't think he might be good enough."
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Desert Dream (4/1) provided Dobbs with his first winner when landing the totequadpot Insure Your Last Four Maiden Stakes by half a length.
Trainer William Knight and jockey Martin Dwyer teamed up to land the @totepoolracing For Racing News Handicap with the seven-year-old Secret Art (9/1).
Knight said: "That was great. It's nice to see this lad win.
"He likes it here and Sandown so we will probably try and stick to those tracks with him."
Geoffrey Deacon had plenty of praise for jockey Cameron Noble after the youngster had galvanised Picket Line to claim a nose success in the opening six-furlong apprentice handicap.
The Compton handler said of his 7/1 winner: "I thought Cameron gave him a super ride. Things didn't go to plan at all.
"We were hoping he would jump out and be handy but he got completely murdered coming out of the stalls.
"It shows having an apprentice with a little bit of experience on as he didn't panic and took his time."
King Of Spin (7/1) showed he could be a shrewd investment at 35,000 guineas after landing the totepoolliveinfo.com For Racing Results Handicap on his first start for trainer Richard Hughes.
The Lambourn handler said: "This is the first winner for the syndicate (Top Trumps Partnership). They bought the colours at an auction and they are huge supporters of mine.
"They never question what I do and they really are perfect owners. He is a really good buy and we believe Pivotals grow from three to four and that is the main reason we bought him.
"He does need cut in the ground and I was mindful of the rain that came here."
The concluding totepool Racecourse Apple Pay Betting Handicap went to 25/1 shot Fethiye Boy.