ALJAZZI went one better than 12 months ago when routing the opposition in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.

A surprise second to Qemah last year, Marco Botti had plotted the first half of the season around a return to this mile contest.

Sent off the 9/2 second-favourite behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained Hydrangea, William Buick was content to settle his mount at the back of the pack.

Billesdon Bess was allowed an easy lead and was still in front a furlong and a half out when Tribute Act shot to the head of affairs. But as soon as Buick found open space on Aljazzi (9/2), the race was over and she burst clear.

Tribute Act was at the head of the chasing pack in second, with Epsom winner Wilamina a fine third. Hydrangea was a big disappointment and was one of the first beaten.

After many years of trying and several near-misses, it was a first winner at the meeting for Botti.

He said: "We've been so close so many times, it's just nice to have one (a Royal Ascot winner) on the board. William gave her a great ride and she showed a great turn of foot."