Ten Sovereigns landed a gamble as he registered a stylish success in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.
He was the subject of some strong support and was sent off a 9-2 chance as Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore altered tactics on last year's Middle Park Stakes winner.
Having run respectably when fifth in the 2000 Guineas, he was ultimately disappointing in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot when a well-beaten fourth behind Advertise.
Back on a sound surface, though, he had no trouble in turning that form around as his Ascot conqueror gave vain chase, but could only get within two and three-quarter lengths - despite the best efforts of Frankie Dettori.
Having won the race with a three-year-old last year in US Navy Flag, the first four home all ran in a Classic earlier in the season.
Fairyland, a stablemate of the winner, came home third while Michael Bell's Pretty Pollyanna was fourth.
Moore told ITV Racing: "Aidan had him in tip-top shape, he liked the faster ground and was just a bit rusty at Ascot.
"He jumped, travelled nicely and when I gave him a squeeze, he picked up well.
"The other side were ahead of me, he was a bit babyish and I could have done with some help, but he quickened very well. He's very nice."
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