Writing off horses trained by Aidan O’Brien is a dangerous course to take, as Ten Sovereigns highlighted in emphatic fashion when giving the trainer a record-equalling fifth Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday.

With the Queen Anne, the St James’s Palace Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes and the Coventry all on one card, day one of Royal Ascot can claim to be the best day’s racing of the entire year, and the renewed rivalry of Irish 2000 Guineas first and second, Phoenix Of Spain and Too Darn Hot, in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes sets the tone for a fabulous five days at the Berkshire track.

American raider No Nay Never stretched his 100% record to three with a classy performance in the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville yesterday.

No Nay Never propelled American trainer Wesley Ward back into the Royal Ascot winner’s enclosure with a fine performance in the Norfolk Stakes.