Observatory kicked off his four-year-old campaign in the best possible manner with a Group One success in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp yesterday. Re-routed from Saturday's Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, the John Gosden-trained, Richard Hughes-ridden colt collared France's Hightori close home to prevail by a short-head.

Godolphin's Ekraar, who had set out smartly to try and make all under Frankie Dettori, was third.

Gosden remarked: "We came here because the ground was too soft at Newbury but it turned out to be too fast here.

"We decided to miss the Breeders' Cup last year as we wanted to keep him ready for a four-year-old career. He was at only 85 per cent of his best form today, and next stop will be the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot."

Meanwhile, Point Given redeemed his reputation with an impressive victory in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday.

Bob Baffert's charge had been sent off favourite for the Kentucky Derby two weeks earlier but finished a disappointing fifth behind Monarchos at Churchill Downs. However, the 2.3 to 1 favourite made no mistake in the second leg of the American Triple Crown.