IT was labelled a sub-standard Doncaster Cup but there is no denying the fact that Thomas Hobson, coming with a well-timed challenge under Ryan Moore to claim the Group 2 event yesterday, looked a very capable performer.

Keeping on resolutely after nearly running into the back of a rival two furlongs out, he ran down stable-companion Max Dynamite inside the final 100 yards to score tidily without coming under maximum pressure.

It was a one-two for Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci with Sheikhzayedroad, not the force of old, a long way back in third.

Not much changed for much of the two and a quarter mile journey, with Jukebox Jive cutting out the running, followed by the other Ricci/Mullins contender Renneti.

The picture changed suddenly as Max Dynamite, running his best race for a long time, injected pace and went a couple of lengths clear for Andrea Atzeni.

It was soon apparent that Thomas Hobson, still lobbing along, had plenty left and his raking stride fairly devoured the turf as Moore sent him in pursuit. A well-backed 2/1 favourite, he went one better than last year and a trip down under quite possibly beckons.

“He was very good today and picked up well,” Moore said. “I’d imagine the plan will include the Melbourne Cup. He hasn’t had a hard season and did it well here.”

Some firms cut Thomas Hobson to 14/1 (from 25s) for the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day, but when Moore volunteers an opinion about future targets, the matter must have been discussed. Therefore, Australia it will almost certainly be for Thomas Hobson and adoring lass Rachel Robbins.