The 4YO Erupt, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard for the Niarchos family, had not woin since taking the G1 Grand Prix de Paris in July of last year.

World Approval set a slow pace with Dartmouth first to challenge at the top of the home stretch.

Erupt was soon on the scene and surged to the front with authority, bounding clear in the final furlong.

“I was right behind the leader and when I asked him, he gave a very good turn of foot,” said winning rider Stephane Pasquier.

“I didn’t have to ask him so much. I was a bit worried about my draw outside but when you have luck it is easy to win.”

A start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita is now on the agenda for Erupt.

“I think, after winning a race like this, we definitely have to go there,” said Pasquier.

“We won a Group 1 in France at three-years-old but it was a difficult start to this year.

“Today he came back very easily and I’m very happy to have found my horse again.”

William Buick, aboard Dartmouth, had no excuses.

“The trip was great,” Buick said. “The winner won easy but he stuck on well for second. He ran his heart out.”