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Maarek came with a decisive late run to land the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes at the East Yorkshire venue.
Evanna McCutcheon's charge was sent off a 5-1 shot in the hands of Jamie Spencer but he looked as though he could be in trouble a furlong out as he was behind a wall of horses.
Ridge Ranger and Line Of Reason were busy battling it out at the front coming into the last of the five furlongs but Group One winner Maarek was just starting to motor for Spencer.
The eight-year-old produced an extra kick to assume control in the dying strides, eventually scoring a neck verdict over the 100-30 favourite Line Of Reason, with Ridge Ranger a further length and a quarter back in third.
Maarek was winning for the first time since landing the Duke Of York Stakes at York in May 2014.
McCutcheon said: "It doesn't do your heart any good watching him, but that's the way he runs.
"He's been a fairytale horse and has taken us to places we could only dream of.
"Jamie said he was struggling in that ground as he needs more cut, but he's able to handle it now he's got older.
"It's on to Irish Champions Weekend (the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes on September 13 at the Curragh) now. There's also a race at Newbury (Dubai International Airport World Trophy on September 19) and he's also in the Abbaye again.
"We're lucky to have him."
Tom Eaves, rider of the unplaced Red Pike, was banned for three days (September 13-15) after the stewards found him guilty of careless riding in that his mount interfered with Line Of Reason who in turn impeded Confessional.
Eaves did not go away empty-handed, however, as he struck on the veteran Monsieur Chevalier (20-1) for James Given in the Play scoop6soccer At totesport.com Handicap.
Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani plundered the £45,000 Play The New scoop6soccer Today Handicap with Laurence (11-4 joint-favourite).
Danny Tudhope steered the Dubawi colt to victory by a length and a quarter over fellow market leader Sealife, with Rib Reserve third.
The winning jockey said: "He's a lovely horse and gave me a great feel, even though he idled a bit when he got in front."
Alpha Delphini (5-1), a half-brother to Group One-winning sprinter Tangerine Trees, opened his account with a length-and-a-half call over Grand Beauty in the toteplacepot Maiden Stakes.
The four-year-old gelding, trained by Bryan Smart, was delivered to strike well inside the final furlong by Fergal Lynch.
"This horse could be all right," said Smart.
"He was very green first time and going over five this time sharpened him up. We think he's very smart and has a very bright future. This was a perfect race for him."
After showing promise when third on her debut at Ayr earlier in the month, Zaina Rizeena (15-8) got off the mark in the EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes. L eading two furlongs out under David Nolan, Richard Fahey's youngster went on to score by a length and a quarter from Ninetta.
Fahey's assistant Robin O'Ryan said: "She's a nice filly and did it grand in a decent race. She'll make up into a lovely three-year-old."