CALYX maintained his unbeaten record with a blistering display in the Group 3 Merriebelle Stable Commonwealth Cup Trial Stakes at Ascot.

Still in the 2000 Guineas mix until the end of last week, last year’s Coventry Stakes winner was rerouted to this six-furlong contest as trainer John Gosden felt it would be an easier option having not run for 316 days.

Sent off at the prohibitive odds of 1/3, Frankie Dettori was keen to get cover early on as The Cruising Lord took them along.

When the field spread across the track as the race began in earnest, Dettori unleashed Clayx down the outside as the famous pink cap of Khalid Abdullah’s colours flew off his head.

The son of Kingman ate up the ground, bounding clear to win by four lengths from No Nonsense.

Dettori told Sky Sports Racing: “I was going that fast I lost my hat!

“He’s blessed with so much speed, I think sprinting is his game. It was a great feeling when he quickened up. Well done to John and the team for getting him back – he’s a serious horse.”

Betfair make Calyx their 13/8 favourite for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June.