Gamble pays off for O'Brien.

TEN SOVEREIGNS landed a gamble as he registered a stylish success in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

He was the subject of some strong support and was sent off a 9-2 chance as Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore altered tactics on last year's Middle Park Stakes winner.

Having run respectably when Afth in the 2000 Guineas, he was ultimately disappointing in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot when a well-beaten fourth behind Advertise.

Back on a sound surface, though, he had no trouble in turning that form around as his Ascot conqueror gave vain chase, but could only get within two and three-quarter lengths.

Having won the race with a three-year-old last year in US Navy Flag, the Arst four home all ran in a Classic earlier in the season.

Fairyland, a stablemate of the winner, came home third while Michael Bell's Pretty Pollyanna was fourth.

Moore said: "Aidan had him in tip-top shape, he liked the faster ground and was just a bit rusty at Ascot.

"He jumped, travelled nicely and when I gave him a squeeze, he picked up well.

"The other side were ahead of me, he was a bit babyish and I could have done with some help, but he quickened very well."

O'Brien said: "He ran in the three six-furlong races in a month last year and we saw what he did. We slowed him down all winter to try to help him get a mile.

"He ran in the Guineas and nearly got a mile. When we ran him further than his distance, he felt it.

"It took him a bit of time to come out of Newmarket. He was just ready to go to Ascot.

"He went to Ascot and ran a very good race and was Anishing well. He looked like a horse that mentally hadn't really clicked in yet.

"Ryan said he was lovely and relaxed and it was only when he caught hold of him at halfway that he really responded and I'm delighted." "His work was unbelievable and his times were unbelievable. His last piece of work, he broke 11 seconds every furlong for four furlongs.That is very quick."