THE opening William Hill Portland Handicap is generally considered one of the most competitive sprint handicaps of the season. That was hardly the case this time as Paul d’Arcy’s 12/1 shot Spring Loaded came through to lead towards the stands’ side and surged clear to beat 7/1 favourite Vibrant Chords by three and a half lengths.

Justanotherbottle and Lexington Abbey took the minor honours.