Twelve months on from their former star tracker Fromposttopillar landing the first running of the Category One event – it was staged over 500m in 2023 – it was the turn of the British Bred Derby winner and Produce Stakes champion to grab her third major title and upset the odds on her kennelmate King Memphis.

The latter, one of four McNair-trained finalists including three littermates along with King Capaldi and Queen Shakira, went off a 4-5 chance and broke smartly to give him every chance to get across to the rails. However, matching strides with the black-jacketed runner was fast-starting blue-jacketed rival Queen Joni.

The pair were side by side into the bend, but Queen Joni took the shorter route to steal an advantage and was always in front. King Memphis closed into the third bend and looked to challenge on her outside, but the leader held firm and kept on well to score by a length and a half from her kennelmate and Whyaye Man (Mark Wallis) in a slick 28.91sec (-10).

A delighted Rab McNair, with four finalists for the kennel and back-to-back wins in the 491m competition, praised Queen Joni and thanked the sponsors and Central Park for hosting the event – giving special mention to Brendan Keogh, Simon Senyk and Ian Openshaw of the owning KSS Syndicate.

“Everyone plays their part in getting these events on, so thanks to the track, the management and the sponsors – plus the lads for giving myself and Liz the opportunity to breed, rear and train these fantastic dogs. The litters are absolutely brilliant and are doing us proud – and wasn’t Joni brilliant tonight, as was Memphis.

“Something was always going to happen with the draw with Memphis and Capaldi both wanting the rails. Capaldi wants them more, you feel, and it showed but most importantly they’re all good and you just saw how committed Joni is. Nothing was going to back-run her, even Memphis, and we all think the world of him.

“We’ve got a few things coming up – the Laurels for the dogs and the Brighton Belle for the bitches. That also gives them a look at Hove for (Trainers) Judgement Night – King Combs went round there last week – plus we’ve an eye on the Derby. The dogs and the bitches will both head to Towcester, make no mistake.”

McNair also praised his runners at Oxford, with Havana Top Note and King Ezra currently engaged in the Bet365 Hunt Cup. “They’re seasoned types now but doing great and will also be pushing for places in the team at Brighton on May 4!” he said. “Thanks again to Wayne and Liz Mazey – our lucky charms at Oxford!”