1 Cavalryman 9/1
2 Hillstar 7/2
3 Pether's Moon 5/1
NR: Gatewood, Seismos (IRE)
6 ran Distances: nk, ½l, 5l
TIME 2m 37.04s (slow by 10.54s)

Cavalryman wins the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes under a brilliant Silvestre de Sousa ride

Arab Spring bitterly disappointing despite having breeding and form to go well on soft ground...

Cavalryman
© Racehorse Photos

Silvestre de Sousa found himself back in the limelight in the Godolphin blue as he gave Cavalryman a brilliant front-running ride.

De Sousa has been marginalised in recent weeks but showed yet again that his talent still burns brightly.

The race was supposed to be a stepping stone for Sir Michael Stoute's Arab Spring to confirm himself on the big stage after his Royal Ascot handicap success, but he was ultimately disappointing back in fourth.

It was Arab Spring's stablemate Hillstar who was the biggest threat after Frankie Dettori made a positive move with fully half a mile to go. While he was given every chance, he could not get past the veteran eight-year-old Cavalryman, who finished third behind Sea The Stars in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe of 2009.

Hillstar
© Caroline Norris

Pether's Moon ran another game race back in third.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor's apparent first string Excellent Result was well beaten under Kieren Fallon.

It was Cavaryman's first run since he just failed to win the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night.

De Sousa said of the 9-1 winner, who prevailed by a neck: "It wasn't the plan to make the running, but I had no choice and it was quite enjoyable for him to be in front, so I just let him do the work. He's a horse for a mile and six and two miles, so I was happy with the position I was in.

"He's very tough and genuine. He has been unlucky, but he's come back. I'm just delighted for him to come here and get his head in front."

Bin Suroor said: "He always runs well fresh, as he showed in Dubai. Silvestre knows the horse, and he didn't fight him early on. His best trip is a mile and six, but he goes on every ground and he has won over further, and won a Group One in France.

"His next race will be the Goodwood Cup, and we'll keep our options open for going back for another try at the Melbourne Cup."

Dettori was delighted with Hillstar's effort in second place, saying: " They went no pace, but he ran a super race."

Princess Of Wales's boylesports.com Stakes (Group 2)
£100,000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 4f, Class 1
6 ran
Going: Good