Nakeeta failed to make the field in 2016 but made no mistake in Saturday's Ebor Handicap (1m6f) at York.
Ridden by claiming apprentice Callum Rodriguez, Nakeeta came from well back around the home turn to defeat Flymetothestars (7/1 fav) by a head with Natural Scenery (14/1) finishing fast for third two lengths away after finding traffic in the straight.
The Brian Ellison-trained Seamour (20/1) has been touted as a possible 2017 Melbourne Cup entry but was beaten 7 3/4-lengths into 10th place after appearing to have every chance.
Trainer Iain Jardine prepared Shrewd to finish runner-up to Heartbreak City last year and told the Sporting Life the Ebor had been the goal since Nakeeta finished runner-up in the Chester Cup last year.
"I always thought this race would be tailor-made for him and Callum has given him a great ride. He has ridden him to the letter and the horse is so tough and genuine," Jardine said.
"I am delighted to win here and this is like the Royal Ascot of the north. To win a race like the Ebor – I am absolutely thrilled.
"He came from a different parish turning in but he is a hold-up horse, and the important thing is he needs cover. He had plenty of cover, came through between horses and has out-stayed them."
"We've spent a lot of time with this horse, going up on my Sundays off"
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) August 26, 2017
Nakeeta lands Ebor jackpot ▶️️ https://t.co/lyyI53DPMn#ClassicEborpic.twitter.com/9YyJJxWjR3
