Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, who flew in from the US especially to take the ride, the Doug Watson-trained five-year-old outlined potential Saudi Cup credentials with a dominant win from the front, easing to a three and a half-length success over stablemate Golden Goal.

“It’s a pleasure to be here and thanks to connections for bringing me over,” said Gaffalione. “He took control early and he seems a lot stronger this year. I have a tonne of confidence in this horse and the way he ran today I don’t think stepping up in distance would be a problem.”