THE big clash between Ombudsman and ‘Arc’ hero Daryz didn’t quite materialise, but Ombudsman (John & Thady Gosden/William Buick) proved the equine star of day two when coming with a power-packed run from off the pace to gain a decisive second win in the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, beating a back-to-form Minnie Hauk (Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore) by four lengths, with Daryz (Francis-Henri Graffard/Mickael Barzalona) only third, a further length and three-quarters away, having held every chance.

The pacemakers Mississippi River and Devil’s Advocate ensured a headlong gallop and were almost 10 lengths ahead of Minnie Hauk at the head of the chasing pack when turning for home. The gallop couldn’t possibly be maintained, however, and with a furlong and a half left, Devil’s Advocate led by two lengths from a weakening Mississippi River on the rail, with the big guns line abreast deeper on the track and ready to pounce.