Royal Ascot 2018: Frankie Dettori dances home on Stradivarius as stayer proves his class in Ascot Gold Cup

STRADIVARIUS was all class as he announced himself as the new dominant force in the staying division.

Frankie Dettori and his mount fought off all that came to him after he travelled ominously into the home straight.

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Ryan Moore had Order Of St George racing early as he was determined to avoid a repeat of 2017 when Big Orange famously got the better of him.

But he was always beat; as first Torcedor tried to take the race up, before French star Vazirabad also had a crack.

But as this unfolded Dettori sat quietly on his impressive four-year-old before kicking on as Vazirabad threatened on the inside.

If anything Stradivarius had more up his sleeve and it looks his division to lose, especially on typical summer ground.

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Outsider Mount Moriah made the early running with Torcedor happy to sit in second.

The big guns were positioned just behind as they raced around Swinley Bottom.

Mount Moriah upped the ante approaching the home straight and Moore clearly had last year's ding-dong in his mind as he had Order Of St George racing a good half mile from home.

Dettori was all cool on Stradivarius as he changed his whip ready to mount his challenge on the outside.

The battle unfolded in front of the grandstand and as many toiled Dettori smoothly strode to success, punching the air as he crossed the line.

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John Gosden said: "He was a bit keen early on but settled down.

"He was going well and fought off one good horse before Vazirabad loomed up and I thought 'uh oh' we're going to clubbed by the French.

"Frankie keeps saying it's my sixth but I've reminded him it's the horse's first and he got him here."

The win sets up a outside shot at the million pound bonus.

Stradivarius would have to take in the Goodwood Cup - which Vazirabad is also eyeing up - and then the Lonsdale Cup at the Ebor Festival.

Frankie Dettori said: "It hasn't sunk in yet. It was a great race on paper and it delivered.

"It was a magic day, well done to John Gosden and the team."

Stradivarius is as short as 1-2 to claim the Goodwood Cup with Order Of St George likely to go down the Irish St Leger route.