TEN Sovereigns had to do what he did in the Darley July Cup on Saturday if he was to reach the level that looked within his capabilities at the start of the season. He did and he did.

It was a performance of class and dominance in a division that needed a new star after Blue Point was whisked away to the breeding shed. Aidan O’Brien’s colt flashed out of the gate like a sprinter. He was in front in the centre after they had gone a furlong and while, according to the sectional times, he was headed by Major Jumbo and Glorious Journey on the near side through the mid-section of the race, he always travelled like the most likely winner, and he was strong in the finish. He was going away from his rivals on the run to the winning line.