Kevin Ryan continued his recent domination of the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes as Brando claimed back-to-back victories at Newmarket in the hands of Tom Eaves.
Brando obliged as the even-money favourite for this six-furlong Group Three 12 months ago, providing his Hambleton-based trainer with a third victory in four years following the previous triumphs of Hamza (2014) and Astaire (2015).
The six-year-old went on to claim Group One glory in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, but having lost his way at the back-end of the campaign, he was a 9-2 chance for his seasonal return.
Brando was held up towards the rear of the field for much of the way, but powered home to claim a decisive victory by three-quarters of a length. Sir Dancealot was best of the rest in second, with Projection just holding on for third.
Heavily-backed 6-5 favourite Le Brivido never threatened to land a telling blow, while Spirit Of Valor finished last of the eight runners.