Times Up continued to pay his way for connections with a gutsy victory in the Qipco Sponsors British Champions Series Handicap at Newmarket.
John Dunlop's gelding has now won three times at Headquarters as well as gaining a valuable success in the November Handicap at Doncaster at the end of last season.
Fresh from a pipe-opener on Town Moor, Times Up (8-1) found just a little more than 9-2 favourite Sharaayeen and got up by a short head in the hands of Richard Hughes.
Michael Meacock, part-owner and breeder, said: "He got his name because he was the last in the line of his dam, Princess Genista. It would be nice if we could get him ready for a win at Royal Ascot."
Pastoral Player (12-1) made an impressive return to action in the Al Rayan Handicap for Hughie Morrison.
The four-year-old had problems in the stalls on a number of occasions last season and was not that fast away once again, but he was soon travelling well in the hands of Steve Drowne, who exercised patience before unleashing his mount inside the final furlong.
On meeting the rising ground, Pastoral Player picked up in some style to score by a ready two lengths from Fratellino.
Morrison said: "He needed it today but he's certainly talented and I definitely think he's worth upgrading on that basis. He's at least Listed class, so we'll take it from there."
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