Eddie Ahern was at his absolute best when giving the perfect front-running ride to the aptly-named Tactician (17-2) in the John Smith's Silver Cup at York (Advised at 12/1)
Pulled out of the Northumberland Plate two weeks ago on account of the soft ground, connections gained ample compensation.
Owned by the Queen, the four-year-old gave the big field a target by going straight down the middle of the track, but only Royal Ascot winner Fox Hunt ever got close enough to challenge and he was eventually beaten by a length and a quarter.
Winning trainer Michael Bell was absent, but his assistant George Scott said: "We probably pulled him out of the Plate too early as the ground dried up by the Saturday.
"The Ebor would have to be on the agenda now. He's grown up a lot this season but we were concerned about the rain that fell on Friday.
"Eddie gave him a smashing ride and I know it is one of the highlights of the season for the boss when he has a Royal winner."
Ahern added: "That's my first winner for the Queen. It's special putting the silks on as you can see everybody in the crowd pointing at you before the race."
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