Pivoine (14/1) ran out a clear-cut winner of the John Smith's Diamond Jubilee Cup Handicap at York.
Andrew Balding's charge landed a valuable pot over course-and-distance last season and was travelled well through this contest under Rob Hornby.
He burst clear inside the distance and stayed on strongly to the line to score by a length from the well-backed 9/2 favourite Setting Sail.
What's The Story (12/1) made late gains to take third with Another Touch (50/1) running a big race on his seasonal reappearance for Richard Fahey in fourth.
Sky Bet were paying six places and those spots were filled by Royal Hunt Cup hero Afaak (14/1) and Big Kitten (33/1).
"He likes it around here and I was just waiting to press the button as I knew he had a good turn of foot. Conditions were perfect today," the winning rider told ITV Racing.
"We came up the middle which was great for a horse who is ridden like him and I was able to make ground while still having cover which is important for him. It's huge for me. I started at Mr Balding's when I was 16 and left school and all my big successes have been for the family. It's been a massive journey through my career and is continuing."
Anna Lisa Balding, wife of the winning trainer, added: "I'm so thrilled. He's a star of a horse and a real favourite at home. He's done it brilliantly. Having won last year in August so well we knew he liked the track and conditions were right so we were hopeful and Rob gave him a great ride, he was in the right place at the right time."
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