Joey Sheridan, soon to have his claim reduced to 5lbs, continued his good run of form when partnering Caesar’s Comet ( 10/3 fav) to victory in the Holden Plant Rentals Handicap over 7f.

Sheridan produced Denis Hogan’s six-year-old with his challenge on the outside approaching the final furlong, but Swiss Army Officer (22/1) and young Ben Kennedy had got a dream run up the rail to have every chance.

The two horses raced to the line together, but Caesar’s Comet had just got first run and held on by a diminishing short head.

It was a third career victory for the winning gelding, and his first for a couple of years. He’d run his best race for some time when a close fourth at Cork on his previous start.

The winning rider, for whom it was a ninth winner since racing resumed last month, said: “He did it well in fairness to him. I thought I was caught on the line but thankfully he stuck his head out.

“Denis' horses are flying at the moment. He does well with these handicappers, he keeps them sweet and running well.

“Hopefully he'll pick up another one.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson