DEE Ex Bee didn’t impress everyone with his all-the-way win in the Henry II Stakes, but in fairness he looked unsuited to making his own pace until the tempo increased and while he is never one to quicken, he was always going to win when he hit the rising ground. Mark Johnston believes the extra half-mile of the Gold Cup will suit his colt, and on this evidence I’d agree, with his tendency to race behind the bridle an advantage.

He’s not a pretty horse to watch as he beats inferior opponents while making his jockey work for his fee, but the same style in the Gold Cup could make for an exciting contest, and while his lack of acceleration is a deficit at middle distances, his relentless grinding makes him a player in the Ascot feature.