Having disputed second until fading in the final furlong, connections feel Distinction showed more than enough to warrant a trip to the Knavesmire later in the month.

“He came out of the race in great shape, thank goodness, and we were absolutely thrilled to bits with that performance,” explained Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

“We needed to see him back on the track, showing his old zest and ability, and we definitely saw that. He was virtually the last one off the bridle and that was absolutely fantastic.

“Of course he hit a bit of a brick wall fitness-wise as Sir Michael said he probably would coming back from his tendon injury.

“He’d had to be fairly gentle with him at home and he knew he’d come on for that first run back.”

Following his promising reintroduction, connections are looking forward to York’s upcoming two-mile Group Two event.

Distinction won a Listed handicap at the venue back in 2004 before grabbing second in both the Gold and Lonsdale Cups the following season.

“He now heads for the Lonsdale at York, which is a track he loves as many of his best runs have come there,” Herbert continued.

“Hopefully that race at Goodwood and a couple more pieces of work will put him spot-on.

“He had a good blow afterwards but he was still very relaxed and took it all well.”