Maarek overcame trouble in running to give Graham Lee the biggest win of his Flat career in the Betfred Mobile Lotto Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle.

The well-backed had anything but a clear passage at the two furlong pole but once in the clear the 11-4 joint-favourite made stealthy headway to reel-in leader Boatful (25--1) and bound clear in some style to win by two lengths.

Regal Parade was a further three lengths away in third.

Winning trainer David Nagle said: "He's a very tough horse and he just loves this soft ground.

"We'll enter him in all the six-furlong Group races coming up while the ground is like this, as he handles it so well.

"He could go to Haydock for the Group One there (Sprint Cup), or he could go to France, but he won't go anywhere unless the ground is soft.

"He's a horse who keeps improving and it's great to have a Group winner. This is actually my first runner as a fully licensed trainer, as I only got my license last week. We're based near Aidan, but we have a slightly smaller set-up!"

Commenting on the ground conditions, Lee said: "It's like riding in the Eider Chase!"