Rio De La Plata secured his first Pattern-race success in almost three years with a fine display in the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes at York.
Sent off at 7-1 to bounce back from a disappointing effort in softer conditions at Haydock, Saeed bin Suroor's five-year-old travelled strongly throughout the Group Three contest in the hands of Frankie Dettori.
Hot favourite Rainbow Peak made good headway down the stands side in the straight, but Rio De La Plata quickened up best and had enough in the tank to score by a cosy neck.
Dettori said: "He's one of my favourite horses in the stable. He's been everywhere in the world, but he's had a tremendous amount of injuries so for him to come back and win Group races is a great achievement by Saeed and everyone in the yard.
"He's a good old servant and it's a great joy when they come back. It took him a year to get back and usually they don't, but he's shown tremendous character and everybody loves him.
"He knows where the winning post is so he was saving himself a bit in front, but it was a good effort."
Bin Suroor added: "He did not handle the ground at Haydock becAUSe he must have this quick ground. This trip is also ideal for him. He's had a lot of problems, but he is a lot happier this year and always tries his best. We will probably try and find another Group race for him."
Peter Savill, owner of the runner-up, said: "Neil's (Callan) feeling was that this trip was probably a little bit too short and he wants a mile and a quarter.
"There's the Prix Dollar on Arc weekend over that distance and also the Champion Stakes, but he probably won't go there. He'll be a mile and a half horse next year."
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