The Ben Pearce prepared Roman Fighter headed to Ascot in race one in a three-year-old 1MW handicap over 1200 m with Paul Harvey to ride jumping from barrier 2 in a field of 7.
As the seven runners departed the barrier stalls a relaxed Roman Fighter stood there momentarily as race favorite Secret Nova left fast, leading the field from the outset with Tales of Summer the chaser, One Hot Fox was stalking the leaders with Bohemian Lass on its outer as Roman Fighter tacked onto the back with a work load in front of him appeared the task apparent.
Round the side Noske had his charge under a good hold as the runners circled the bend, Tales Of Summer was off the leaders girth with Universal Moon rounding the field to play a starring role on straightening for home with One Hot Fox burrowing in on the fence as Roman Fighter had it all to do as Harvey signaled a plan of attack.
Into the straight Secret Nova whom had all the favours was off and gone Universal Moon had peaked on its run but was still whacking away as Harvey and Roman Fighter went out wide with a last crack at the leading duo, however it was the well rested Secret Nova prevailing in the concluding stages to land the prize by a length to Roman Fighter which landed three lengths adrift at the start, to arrive a length behind the winner with Universal Moon in third.