SOVEREIGN Debt's incredible recent run continued in winning the Group 3 Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom.

Now an eight-year-old, the grey defied a 5lb penalty for his win at Sandown last time out, and having been a consistent performer down the years for the now-retired David Nicholls, he has taken his form to a new level for Ruth Carr.

James Sullivan always looked confident and took over from Folkswood entering the final furlong. Fellow northern raider Gabrial came with a late run, but Sovereign Debt (4/1) held on by a neck, with Oh This Is Us in third.

Sullivan said: "He picked up really well, I was able to hang on to him a bit and then kick. We came with a plan to just give him a clear run, and see from there. He's brilliant for the yard, it lifts everyone and it's a great team effort.

"This is why you get up in a morning, and ride 10 and 12 lots a day - it's what it's all about."

Laugh Aloud justified odds-on favouritism in effortless fashion to continue her progression in the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes.

John Gosden's filly looked the obvious one on paper and James Doyle had the Godolphin-owned 4/5 favourite settled in third place behind Tisbutadream and Absolute Blast.

Having come down Tattenham hill, Doyle briefly had to shake her up, but within strides she was back on the bridle alongside Absolute Blast.

Once given the office, the daughter of Dubawi shot clear in the style of a potential Group 1 performer, winning by five lengths from Absolute Blast.

Doyle said: "She was impressive, when I let her go she travelled into it so well and scampered up the hill - it felt good.

"She's deserves a crack at it (Group 1) now, she's going in the right direction and that was pretty authoritative."