PASTORAL Player finally showed just what he is capable of with an impressive performance in the H M Plant Hitachi Handicap at Ffos Las.

Hughie Morrison has always had a soft spot for the three-year-old, which is hardly surprising given he is a son of his July Cup winner Pastoral Pursuits.

His career got off to the perfect start with a taking victory in a Newbury maiden last September, but he had failed to build on that promise.

Those who took the 4-1 could have been forgiven for rolling their eyes at the start of this six-furlong contest as he appeared hesitant when the gates opened, but he did not lose too much ground and was soon travelling strongly at the rear of the field.

It looked as though he would fail to get a run heading inside the last couple of furlongs, only to squeeze through the smallest of gaps and pick up well under Steve Drowne to score by half a length from Below Zero.

“It’s been a huge effort by all the staff really and considering I nearly took him out because of the ground, it was a really good performance,”

said Morrison.

“He hasn’t enjoyed the ground and we were doubting his resolution beforehand, but I couldn’t have been happier with his attitude today.

“Obviously we’ve had the stalls issue with him and I really hope there is a lot to look forward to now.

“It’s great for the team and the owners, who have been very patient with him and I’m even happier because I bought his half-brother on the cheap last week based on the theory that this one didn’t try very much – but I think they got that one wrong!”