It’s a disappointing start for Kia Joorabchian’s expensively assembled army - and a reminder of the enormous task he faces

If you watched the Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Novice Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, you may well have been impressed by the Charlie Appleby-trained winner Military Code, who should be a contender for whatever juvenile event he lines up in at next month’s royal meeting after defying a penalty under William Buick.

But I suspect plenty had their eyes focused on Celestial King, who faded rather tamely into an underwhelming fourth place to be beaten just under six lengths.

When his owner, high-profile football agent Kia Joorabchian, paid a record 1.75 million guineas for the colt to race in his Amo Racing colours at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale last month, he ensured the son of Havana Grey would have the proverbial target on his back whenever he races this summer.