Ralph Beckett’s talented Amiloc took his record to four from four with a polished performance in the Group 2 King Edward VIII Stakes on day four of Royal Ascot.
Sent off the well-backed 11/8 favourite following a commanding four-length success in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood, Amiloc arrived at Royal Ascot having been unable to contest the Epsom Derby due to his gelding status.
However, sporting the same colours as Ralph Beckett's Dante Stakes scorer and Epsom Derby hopeful Pride Of Arras, who ultimately disappointed on the Surrey Downs, Amiloc proved he was a horse that was destined for the highest level with another powerful display.
Ridden handily by Rossa Ryan, the son of Postponed mastered front-runner Galveston passing the two-furlong pole before keeping on stoutly in the final stages to hold off the fast-finishing Zahrann (11/4) by three-quarters of a length. Galveston (20/1) held on to third, just over two lengths further back.
"Rossa reported the ground is quick, and it felt quick on him," said Beckett. You could see his stride shortening. I thought the last half-furlong, he wasn't looking for the line, he was feeling the ground more than anything else. I think we will bear that in mind in future, but he is a gelding.
"We had conversations last night and this morning about whether we should come. Patrick Cooper, Mr Aykroyd's nephew and Mrs Aykroyd's racing manager, decided this was a good idea and I agreed, so it all worked out.
"I don't think we've ever had one with five straight wins, so that's good. It was a great ride. Rossa is very confident and rode him with plenty of confidence; it set up well for us but sometimes it does."
Paddy Power cut the winner to 10/1 for the King George VI Stakes back at Ascot in July, with Beckett confirming that should conditions be suitable, then there would be every chance of his unbeaten gelding turning up.
He added: "I think ground will dictate [where we go]. I wouldn't be afraid to take anybody on with him on slower ground. He is entered in everything, although it is going to take a bit of getting over today by the look of him. If it came up soft next month for the King George, or with a bit of juice, I am sure we would be here."
Rossa Ryan echoed the sentiments that Amiloc would prefer a softer surface.
"He was never really comfortable on that sort of ground, and that was the only concern I had. He seemed to move okay to post but, when we came out of Swinley Bottom, I was just feeling it a small bit," he explained.
"I thought he was getting a bit idle in front, but he wasn't, the ground was taking its toll. I thought by God, he is one tough cookie.
"We have gone a nice gallop and didn't hang around. I had a slight concern turning in because I was feeling the ground. When I sat into him, he changed leads, came alive and I thought perfect, I'll get to Ryan at the two and then Ben [Coen] is going to have to battle to go by me. It worked out beautifully.
"I would imagine when he gets on slower ground, he will be a better horse again. It is exciting. It is a pity he is gelded, but he is a lovely horse for absolutely brilliant owners. It is brilliant for all the team at home. They have done a fantastic job and deserve all the credit."
