DESPITE a costly walkabout "down under" Double Trigger proved he had not lost his aim when returning to bag another victory in the Insulpak Sagaro Stakes at Ascot yesterday.

Nearly six months after his attempt to win Australia's Melbourne Cup had ended in humiliation, the popular stayer showed his true form when overpowering Grey Shot to take the Group Three prize.

Victory was hard earned as Double Trigger made jockey Jason Weaver work for the spoils. But he covered the two miles in a new race best time, which he set in the contest last year.

Weaver was pushing and cajoling his partner almost from the outset but the message was eventually received and Double Trigger edged past Grey Shot with 50 yards to run to score by ahead.

Though for all Weaver's effort trainer Mark Johnston suggested a more patient ride would have been more effective. "I don't, think it is a good thing to see him off the bridle like that. In those circumstances we shouldn't panic. but let him do it in his own time," he observed.

"He doesn't need to be in front so we don't have to put him under pressure to get there. That's when he gets into trouble.

"I don't enjoy these situations where nothing but a win will do. He has won in the same style as last year but hopefully there is a lot more in the tank."

Double Trigger will now head for the Henry II Stakes at Sandown while his brother Double Eclipse, with whom he is set to clash again at Royal Ascot, could contest the Yorkshire Cup.

Johnston is still keen to attempt to win the Melbourne Cup but indicated that Double Eclipse could be his representative this time provided he wins enough money to justify the cost of the £50,000 challenge.

He added "It is a sad thing to come home none the wiser about what it takes to win that race. But I will keep trying and some day I will win it.

"I don't think Ron Huggins is that keen to send Double Trigger again but Double Eclipse could go because he has more speed. If one wins the Gold Cup we will see, but you have to win a lot of money to warrant going.

Pat Eddery had a day at home recovering from a flu bug and missed two wins on Distant Oasis and Tarawa.

Distant Oasis, ridden instead by Willie Ryan, looked a future talent when recovering from a very slow start to beat Tawaaded by two and a half lengths on her debut in the Insulpak Conditions Stakes.

Eddery will be keen to get acquainted with her next time which could be a prelude to the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting.

But in the meantime, with Michael Kinane standing by to take over on Bosra Sham in the 1,000 Guineas, he will concentrate on recovering in time for the opening day of the Newmarket meeting tomorrow.

Kinane gained his first experience of his 2,000 Guineas mount Danehill Dancer when partnering. the colt in a satisfactory gallop in Newmarket.

But Richard Hughes deputised on stablemate Tarawa, winner of the Chobham Conditions Stakes.

Smokey Pete took advantage of his 7lb pull with previous winner Bilko to make a winning debut in the Garter Conditions Stakes and earn an entry for Royal Ascot.