THE Group 3 Unibet Geoffrey Freer Stakes went to Martyn Meade’s Technician, ridden by Rob Hornby, who left a disappointing effort in the Gordon Stakes behind to outstay warm favourite Morando (Andrew Balding/Silvestre de Sousa) in receipt of a hefty 12lb, with fellow St Leger entrant Durston (David Simcock/Jamie Spencer) third, some six lengths away.

The winner was the first off the bridle, but having been switched to the outside in the straight, he showed that stamina is his strong suit by grinding down the runner-up in the final furlong. Durston travelled best of all, but found little off the bridle, and perhaps found his stamina stretched in the soft ground.