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The judge could not split Wonder Laish (4-1 favourite) and Duretto (8-1) the end of a thrilling Appletiser Handicap at Ascot.

Wonder Laish engaged in a protracted duel with eventual third Polarisation and looked set for victory under Fergal Lynch before David Probert produced Duretto to challenge wide.

That combination took a definite lead 50 yards out but Wonder Laish fought back gamely to share the spoils.

William Haggas does not think soft ground will bother Wonder Laish and said: "He should have a good autumn ahead of him and I think he likes some cut.

"Fergal said he was just a bit fresh early, and that he got a bit tired at the end, but he fought back well."

Andrew Balding is targeting a race at Newmarket with Duretto and said: "There's a valuable three-year-old handicap in October and that is his goal."

Majestic Moon proved the gamest of winners when making most and then rallying when headed to outpoint Suzi's Connoisseur in the Fly London Southend Airport Handicap, a triumph that earned the 12-1 shot a tilt at the Ayr Gold Cup.

Soon in front under Michael Murphy, Majestic Moon was overhauled by the runner-up but fought back as he edged left to regain command and score by half a length. The favourite Mr Win finished a further length and a quarter back.

A stewards' inquiry was called but the placings remained unaltered.

For trainer John Gallagher this was an important success. He admitted: "Without over emphasising the point, while not unexpected, that was huge!

"Even more so as after speaking to his owner Mark Goodall I almost pulled him out as I wanted the ground to dry out to good.

"He does hang left in his work at home, and today he's done it on the track, in fact he's gone everywhere.

"He's in the Ayr Gold Cup and at the moment the plan is to go there."