Kerrin McEvoy did not have to get overly serious with his mount to readily see off the staying-on City Leader (8-1) by three lengths, with 66-1 outsider Feared In Flight a short-head away in third.

McEvoy was content to switch his mount off in midfield throughout the early stages as River Proud took the field along. City Leader was always hot on his heels and gained a momentary advantage at the two-pole, before Ibn Khaldun took over with a strong run soon after.

Having hit the front, the progressive youngster strolled readily clear under the McEvoy drive while City Leader and Feared In flight plugged away to fight out the minor honours.

After seeing out the onemile trip in fine style, Godolphin's second Group One-winning juvenile of the current campaign earned himself varying quotes for next season's Classics. VC Bet make the winner 16-1 for the 2000 Guineas while sponsors Stan James cut him to 12-1 from 20s.

McEvoy, who came back from Australia specifically to ride the colt, was understandably ecstatic. "I've got rid of the jet lag now. It's my first Group 1 of the year so I'm really happy, " McEvoy said afterwards. "They went a nice tempo and he has obviously improved with every start. I'm just lucky that Frankie (Dettori) was in America and I was here to do the steering." Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor added:

"We'll take him back to Dubai now. It's great to win a Group 1 with him. We'll have a chat with Sheikh Mohammed to see what he wants to do next year."

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford added: "He has improved throughout the season and obviously we fancied him in the nursery off a mark of 85. He has continued to progress throughout the season and we will aim him at the Guineas. He is more speed than stayer and I see him as more of a Guineas horse than a Derby horse. We have him, Fast Company and Rio De La Plata to consider and we haven't had a strong three-year-old team for about two years. Dubawi and Shamardal were really strong, but the last two years we have been without a strong three-year-old. Hopefully if we have a good winter then next year we can participate in the good threeyear-old races."

Earlier in the day punters got off to a flyer as Kal Barg romped to victory under Philip Robinson in the Unison "All For One" Trade Union Nursery. The 7-4 favourite had finished third in better company at Ascot last time and burst clear in the final furlong to score in fine style for trainer Michael Jarvis.