Six-year-old Zidane (Danzero - Juliet Bravo, by Glow), the winner of last season's Stewards' Cup, took his first Listed race in the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes over six furlongs at Newmarket on Thursday. The Danzero galding was stepped up to Group and Listed company in three starts last autumn after his Goodwood win, and will remain in Pattern company this season.

As is usual, Zidane was settled at the rear of runners and came through his rivals in the final two furlongs under Jamie Spencer with a well-timed run that saw him pass Assertive with a short head to spare. Dark Missile and Sonny Red had fought out the lead and finished third and fourth.

Winning trainer James Fanshawe said: "He has improved from last year and he and his family do get better with age. Hold-up horses are difficult to get right, but Jamie gave him a perfect ride there.

"Handicaps will be out now and we'll look to the big sprints at Royal Ascot, possibly taking in the Duke Of York on the way."