Andrea Atzeni in high Spirits as Ascot debut victory inspires Guineas plunge

Andrea Atzeni warmed up for his King George date with Defoe by scoring on another high-class Sheikh Mohammed Obaid prospect – but had to survive an early scare.

He did well to stay on board after losing an iron when Cloak Of Spirits jinked at the start of the novice event at Ascot.

Atzeni sat tight on the two-year-old and his mount powered clear late on for a three-and-a-half length victory that earned a 33-1 quote for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas from Paddy Power – who were soon forced to slash that to 20-1.