Jonquil put himself in the frame for a classic tilt with an authoritative display in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

So impressive on his Sandown debut for Sir Michael Stoute as a two-year-old, it was then disappointing when he was beaten almost 10 lengths on his only other outing in listed company.

Moved to Andrew Balding following Stoute’s retirement, he was sent off at 8/1 in what looked a strong trial on paper.

Al Qudra tried to make all for William Buick, but he was a third Charlie Appleby runner on the day to run below market expectations and while Chancellor briefly threatened to get involved, it soon became apparent the race would be decided between two.

Oisin Murphy was still sat fairly still on Jonquil, but Brian Meehan’s Coventry winner Rashabar proved a tough nut to crack.

There was little between them a furlong out until Jonquil pulled a length and a half clear by the line. Joseph O’Brien’s Saracen caught the eye running on into third.

Bred and owned by Juddmonte, Jonquil is by Lope De Vega out of the Dubawi mare Jovial, who was listed-placed as a two-year-old when trained by Stoute. Jonquil is her first foal.