Dee Ex Bee and Calyx state cases for Royal Ascot

Dee Ex Bee began his campaign in perfect style at Ascot. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Dee Ex Bee put himself firmly in the frame for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot when running out an impressive winner of the Longines Sagaro Stakes on Wednesday.

The Mark Johnston-trained colt made his mark in last year’s QIPCO British Champions Series when finishing second in last year’s Investec Derby and he ran several other good races, including when fourth in the St Leger.

That race at Doncaster proved staying trips could be his forte this season and William Buick was keen to keep the revs up on the son of Farhh.

Sat on the shoulder of Weekender and Frankie Dettori, Buick made his challenge early in the straight and gave those in behind a target.

Dee Ex Bee fairly powered home, beating Raymond Tusk by three and a quarter lengths to earn a quote of 14-1 with Betfair for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June.

Later on the card, the unbeaten Calyx made a stunning return with an emphatic win in the Group 3 Merriebelle Stable Commonwealth Cup Trial Stakes.

John Gosden’s colt, having his first run since his Coventry Stakes success more than ten months earlier, breezed home by four lengths under Frankie Dettori in the six-furlong contest.

Dettori told Sky Sports Racing: “I was going that fast I lost my hat. He’s blessed with so much speed, I think sprinting is his game. It was a great feeling when he quickened up.

“Well done to John and the team for getting him back – he’s a serious horse.”

Betfair make Calyx their 13-8 favourite for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot .