POGO (113) produced a fast-finishing sectional to hold off a multitude of closers to win the John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock last Saturday in the hands of the jockey of the moment Kieran Shoemark.

Charlie Hills’ six-year-old covered the ground from the three-furlong marker in 34.79secs in making all of the running, setting his chasing rivals an almost impossible target as they attempted to close from at least two lengths behind at the start of the sectional.

Laneqash (112) was best positioned of the chasing trio and would have likely won if having ground to quicken into before the furlong marker.

Roger Varian’s gelding is a pattern-class winner-in-waiting on good or faster ground.

Kinross (112) took this race last year after racing in Dubai so may strip fitter for the run, his most impressive win of last season coming at Goodwood when beating Creative Force on his preferred soft ground.

Sunray Major (112) came from furthest back although was also the first ridden and I would afford the son of Dubawi another chance back at a mile.

Raasel (118) was the star performer on the clock, posting a time figure of a horse who can make his presence felt in pattern company.

There was little doubt to the outcome of the race when James Doyle manoeuvred the son of Showcasing into a challenging position and a rapid closing sectional of 33.66secs saw the partnership surge past proven group performer Dragon Symbol (116).

The only other race on the straight course saw Silver Samurai (99+) cover the same ground in 34.85secs.

Rousing Encore (94+), 27th May, Pontefract – improved for step up in trip and clocked figures of a potential pattern-class colt

Rosscarberry (99+), 23rd May, Roscommon - completed hat-trick in impressive fashion and can progress further in the coming weeks.