HUGHIE Morrison’s Vent De Force, given a perfect front-running ride by Richard Hughes, made all the pace in the Group 3 Henry II Stakes over two miles and had nearly two lengths to spare over Trip To Paris at the line. Forever Now lost third to 50/1 outsider Aussie Reigns with Willie Mullins’ Simenon, who needs at least two miles, far from disgraced in fifth.

The race lost a little of its significance when the penalised Prix du Cadran winner High Jinx was taken out. Nevertheless, Vent De Force, a well-backed 6/4 favourite, was stepping up on his second in the Sagaro at Ascot and is down to 8/1 in some lists for the Gold Cup.