Refuse To Bend (9/2) maintained his unbeaten record with a game win in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas at Newmarket this afternoon.
Pat Smullen had Dermot Weld's colt handily placed towards the centre of the track just off the pace and he launched his telling bid for glory entering The Dip.
He was challenged immediately by Hurricane Alan and Tout Seul but dug deep into his reserves to repel the rivals.
His work was not over though as both Zafeen (33/1) and Norse Dancer (100/1) charged at him late but he would not be denied and lifted the Classic by three parts of a length and a head.
Aidan O'Brien's Hold That Tiger was notably weak in the market before the race and that was reflected on the track as he folded tamely when the tempo quickened.
1 Refuse To Bend (P J Smullen) 9-2
2 Zafeen (S Drowne) 33-1
3 Norse Dancer (P Robinson) 100-1
4-1 Fav Hold That Tiger
7-1 Tout Seul 4th