But clearly benefiting from a positive ride after the slow early tempo left those ridden from off the pace struggling to get on terms, Leo led over a furlong out.

He was completing a double for Fortune and trainer John Gosden in the weekend’s major two-year-old races, having been successful with Nannina in the Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile at the track 24 hours earlier.

Leo battled on bravely up the rising ground to keep early leader Kilworth at bay by a length and a quarter with Palace Episode staying on to finish half a length away in third.

Favourite City Of Troy was a shade disappointing in fourth place while the supplemented True Cause from the Godolphin stable was only fifth.

“It’s been a good weekend but I’ve been due one,” said Fortune. “I had three weeks off when I hurt my back again in a fall at Chepstow. It’s nice to come back and ride some good horses.

“He likes the galloping track here and the quicker ground suited him. He’s progressing all the time and if he carries on, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t come back here next May.”

Representing Gosden – who was winning the race for the third time – travelling head groom Barry O’Dowd reported: “Jimmy said that whatever he asked, the horse couldn’t do enough for him. He’s turned into a proper horse now.

“The boss wanted Jimmy to be handy and be positive on him. I wouldn’t know whether Mr Gosden will have anything else in mind for him this season.”

Ladbrokes make Leo a 20-1 shot for next year’s 2000 Guineas, the same price as City Of Troy who is unchanged despite his disappointing performance.

Other bookmakers are considerably more generous about the winner though, VC Bet and Paddy Power offering 33-1 and Cashmans a dismissive 40-1.

The Cork firm offer 50-1 for that race about City of Troy, whose rider Darryll Holland said: “There wasn’t really an excuse but maybe the ground was on the slow side and blunted his finishing speed.

“You can’t condemn a horse after one bad run and I still think he is a very good horse.”

Neville Callaghan said the performance of Kilworth “did not surprise at all”.

“I own him myself because I’ve never been able to sell him!” he smiled.

“He’s in the Racing Post Trophy and the other possibility is the Zetland Stakes back here over a mile and a quarter. He stays well and he’s getting better. He’s done us proud.”

Also delighted was Kevin Ryan, trainer of third-home Palace Episode, who said he “couldn’t be more pleased”.

“The slow pace early on didn’t really suit us but he’s a relatively-inexperienced horse and for him to go and make it would have been a big ask,” he said.

“He’s still learning his job. He’s in the Dewhurst and we could go there. You’d have to imagine he will be a bit mentally sharper next time.”