Viren's Army won a three-way thriller in a dramatic renewal of the Betdaq Dee Stakes at Chester.
In a race of rapidly changing complexion, Richard Hannon's colt got up when it mattered in the hands of Silvestre de Sousa.
Kingston Kurrajong was harried into the lead as the field rounded the first bend, but his hopes petered out at the top of the home straight.
Platitude was first to mount a challenge, followed by Housesofparliament, but the winner had greater momentum inside the final 100 yards.
And though 5-4 favourite Linguistic flew home in the Godolphin silks, De Sousa's partner (12-1) seized the day by a short head, with Housesofparliament another head away in third.
De Sousa said: "He's very tough. It was a bit of a messy race, but everything worked out well.
"They went a very decent gallop and he answered every question I asked him - he's a nice horse.
"I was in the right place at the right time and everything worked out well."