Japan did what was expected of him in running out a dominant winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Having finished with a flourish to place a close-up third in the Investec Derby at Epsom a little under three weeks ago, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was unsurprisingly a warm order as the 6/4 favourite in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Settled towards the rear for much of the mile-and-a-half contest, Japan made his move before the home turn – albeit a little wider than ideal.

Epsom disappointment Bangkok bounced back to form and got a dream run up the rail, but Japan had far too many guns in the closing stages and was good value for the winning margin of four and a half lengths.

Bangkok boxed on to fill the runner-up spot, ahead of Eagles By Day in third.

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