All Signs point to Ascot for Rohaut sprinter after dominant display

Last season's King's Stand winner Profitable made a fine return to action but was no match for the horse that could prove one of his most serious opponents at Royal Ascot next month, Signs Of Blessing.

The Francois Rohaut-trained six-year-old made light of conceding 11lb to Profitable, making all under Stephane Pasquier to reaffirm his position as one of Europe's leading sprinters.

Last season Signs Of Blessing faded close home to be just run down by Twilight Son and Gold-Fun in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot before going on to land the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

"When he's in this kind of form he can win anywhere," said Rohaut. "You saw last year that 1,200 metres [six furlongs] up the hill at Ascot is just too far for him, so he'll run in the King’s Stand. He’s like his trainer, improving with age."

Clive Cox was more than satisfied with Profitable who, like the winner, was having his first start of the campaign.

"That was pleasing first time out," said Cox. "He's a had a long winter and I’m pleased. He'll improve from that first run. Credit to the winner but I’m delighted from my point of view, I think that will put a real edge on him."

Signs Of Blessing was cut to between 9-1 and 14-1 (from around 16) for the King's Stand, while Profitable was eased to as big as 16-1 (from 12).

Prix de Saint-Georges result