The Michael Stoute trained Imperial Stride justified favouritism to land the Scottish Derby at Ayr on Monday with Richard Hills in the saddle.
The four-year-old was giving Michael Stoute his third consecutive win in the 10-furlong race since it was upgraded to Group Two status in 2003.
After landing the Wolferton Handicap at the Royal meeting and romping home by 17 lengths at Newmarket, Imperial Stride was sent off the 1-2 favourite for his third win on the bounce, and he barely gave punters an anxious moment.
He was always holding Aidan O'Brien's Powerscourt (2-1) in the closing stages, eventually coming home a length and a quarter ahead of the Kieren Fallon-ridden colt.
