MAGNA Grecia demonstrated a determined attitude as he gave Aidan O’Brien a ninth win in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster.

Narrowly defeated in the Autumn Stakes by Andre Fabre’s Persian King last time out, he stayed on best of all to narrowly deny Charlie Hills’ Phoenix Of Spain.

Stablemates Western Australia and Circus Maximus ensured the race was run at a solid gallop, but it was Donnacha O’Brien’s mount who just prevailed by a head as the 2/1 favourite.

O’Brien said: “I’m delighted with him, he’s still a bit babyish but he’s coming forward lovely. We think a mile will be his thing next year.”