The 43-year-old Brazillian-born rider picked up a ten-month suspension for breaching betting rules when riding in Hong Kong but has returned to the UK in flying form in recent weeks.

Settled towards the rear of the split field towards the early part of the mile contest, Silvestre De Sousa and Charyn began to make their move as last year's winner Astral Beau quickened the tempo approaching the two-furlong marker. However, the classy grey soon got the upper hand and quickly drew clear for a commanding three-and-a-half length success.

"He's a lovely horse, he just felt a little bit lazy out there," said De Sousa, who steered the 2/1 market leader to a comfortable victory.

"He's ended up picking up really well. There wasn't much of a pace, so I just rode the race to suit him."

A step back up in grade looks on the cards for last year's Sussex Stakes third, with Roger Varian earmarking a tilt at the bet365 Mile at Sandown before the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May.

Varian said: "That was a nice start to the season. Last year, he put up some really good efforts in the Irish Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes against some top opposition,"

"He was a Group Two-winning two-year-old, he's always been a nice horse and had some big questions asked of him last year, hopefully, this can be his year.

"He looks to have done well through the winter, he's a stronger horse this year and we were always keen to come here just to try and get a win on the board and build him back up again.

"I was worried about the ground, as while he has run some good races on testing ground, he's at his best on a sounder surface. I think he'll go on any ground.

"I'd like to go to Sandown for the Group Two (Bet365 Mile) and then the Lockinge."