Bay Of Islands improved on his third place 12 months ago with a thrilling victory in the Foster's Lager Northumberland Plate at Newcastle today.
Kevin Darley always had the 7-1 chance racing in touch with the leaders as Life Of Riley set a steady pace.
As the field turned for home Royston Ffrench kicked the 9-2 favourite Virgin Soldier into the lead but never appeared likely to stretch clear of his rivals.
At the two-furlong marker Bay Of Islands took control and, strongly ridden by Darley, held off The Queen's Temple Way (16-1) by a neck with top weight Rainbow Ways (16-1) two lengths back in third.
Fantasy Hill kept on from the rear to finish fourth at 5-1.
Darley was winning his second successive "Pitmen's Derby" following last year's victory on Far Cry.
Bay Of Islands, carrying the colours of the Bloomsbury Stud, was giving Newmarket trainer Dave Morris a welcome big-race triumph particularly as he was born just 10 miles from Newcastle.
