BIG Orange, twice a winner of the Goodwood Cup, laid down a marker for the big one at Ascot when running out a clear-cut winner of the Group 3 Matchbook Henry II Stakes at a scorching Sandown on Thursday evening.

Taken straight into the lead by Frankie Dettori, the six-year-old, strongly supported at 4/5, lengthened his stride in the straight to cross the line five lengths ahead of Higher Power with She Is No Lady taking the minor honours. It was a highly impressive perfomance which saw his Gold Cup odds cut to 10/1.