Prix Morny among top-level targets for Armor after commanding Molecomb win

The sprinting world could be Armor's oyster after his commanding success in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes for Richard Hannon.

Running in the colours of Al Shaqab, Armor moved into contention under Ryan Moore before showing a blisteringly quick turn of foot to finish three and a quarter lengths clear of 13-8 favourite Fearby.

"He ran very well at Royal Ascot, even though he still looked a little inexperienced and he's won well," said Hannon. "He was tapped for speed coming down to the furlong marker, but he loved the ground.

"Ryan said he'd like the ground, and I think he knows what he's on about. I've not made too many flash entries for him but we'll look at something like the Prix Morny now, or maybe the Flying Childers.

"He'll get six furlongs and we'll have to have a go at a Group 1 over that trip, but he's not a big horse. This is his year and, if he makes into a good three-year-old, then great, but he's good enough now."

The trainer doubled up in the 7f handicap with Magical Wish, who tried to take a bite out of one of his rivals before scoring at 12-1.

Empire set for Ascot

Kevin Ryan revealed some ambitious plans for Last Empire after the five-year-old landed her first Group 3 in the Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes.

Stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time, Last Empire burst clear from the pack a furlong out under Danny Tudhope before holding the late challenge of Onassis for a cosy half-length success.

Although the ground was not as testing as on Tuesday, the conditions certainly suited the Clipper Logistics-owned winner, who is at her best when the mud is flying according to Ryan and could be aimed at the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot in October.

Lost Empire (left) wins the Oak Tree Stakes under Danny TudhopeCredit: Edward Whitaker

"She loves soft ground and looked great there," said the trainer, after winning the Group 3 for the first time. "Danny gave her a smashing ride – you have to believe you're going to get the trip."

Tudhope was suitably impressed with the winner and was not averse to sticking at seven furlongs before the Group 1 sprint at Ascot.

He said: "It's her first time over seven furlongs and she travelled sweetly. I was always confident and she picked up well. It was hard work on the ground, but she handled it better than most of them."

The jockey recorded a double on the day when Illustrating justified 2-1 favouritism to land the 5f fillies' contest for trainer Karl Burke.

Homework pays off

Roger Varian and David Egan did their homework and were duly rewarded when Nagano stayed on best to land the 1m4f handicap.

The three-year-old finished sixth at Royal Ascot in the King George V Stakes, a race Varian and Egan studied earlier this week to work out how to help him relax and settle into a rhythm.

Their plan paid off as Nagano came from last to first and held off the persistent challenge of Siskany to win by three-quarters of a length.

"Nagano is learning on the job," said Varian. "He learned a lot at Ascot and we learned a lot about him. David and I watched the video the other day. We had a good draw and because of that, we probably rushed him.

"He was given a patient ride here and he showed what he can do. In all of his races before Ascot he came home like a train, and he has done so again. The final furlong was tough, but he got there quite comfortably and we always believed he had enough left in the tank."

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here