IF breeding was the sole criteria for success, Alyanaabi outclassed his rivals in the novice race at Salisbury, but pedigree is one thing and ability is another. However, the juvenile had been showing up well on the gallops and a winning debut was expected from the Too Darn Hot colt whose dam is closely related to a Classic and Coronation Cup winner.

Jim Crowley had him neatly tucked in behind market rival Labalaba and when a gap appeared on the rail, he took it. Alyanaabi had never been off the bridle at home and his inexperience was evident for a few strides but then strode clear in the manner of a horse that would appreciate a step up in distance.

"It was a professional performance," was Crowley's assessment. "He has been showing plenty at home and will improve going a bit further. He was very keen early on but is a very exciting."

Trainer Owen Burrows, who took the corresponding race two years ago, regards the two-year-old as a bit of a baby and is understandably anxious not to over-face him. "He had a bit of a look about him when Jim asked him and wasn't sure what to do. I will see how he comes out of the race but he will probably go for another novice race."

Alyanaabi's parentage and capability are in marked contrast to that of Moondial. "She's got her level but is consistent" was Daniel Kubler's honest appraisal of the three-year-old who relished the quick going.

But who was going to ride the filly in the apprentice race? Kubler, who formerly trained at Whitsbury before moving to Lambourn, wanted someone with experience, and through the jockey's agent was recommended Alex Jary who is attached to Nigel Tinkler's Yorkshire yard. He chose well, Jary tracked the leader Stamford Blue before taking the lead a furlong out to frustrate the unfortunate Boom Boom Power who appeared to slightly stumble when mounting his challenge.

"We have run her twice on soft ground and the second time we knew it was not for her. She's tough and sweet."

David Probert will hardly partner an easier winner this season than Under The Twilight who shrugged off top weight to bolt up in the seven- furlong handicap. Probert held the mare at the rear of the five-horse field before switching to the outside. Though four of the runners were virtually in line just over a furlong out, it was only a question of time before Probert pushed her clear to win by five and a half lengths.

"It was very straightforward," the jockey concurred. "She seemed to handle the ground quite well, though we feared she would prefer it soft."

Rob Hornby brought home Mistral Star in the 10-furlong maiden, despite concerns there wouldn't be much pace in the small and inexperienced field but Hornby seized the initiative near the intersection and was never headed. "Oisin Murphy rode her last time and it looked a good performance. The penny dropped today. There wasn't much pace until four out when I took it up and she stayed on well."

Winning trainer Hughie Morrison says the best is to come. "She's only half a horse. She needs to mature and could be anything."

Punters had the better of exchanges with the bookmakers but one major morning gamble Gilt Edge, who had been backed into 8s from 16s, flopped in the six furlong sprint, finishing only fifth behind Redredrobin.