John and Thady Gosden’s progressive colt stamped his Queen Anne claims with a battling success in the Listed Paradise Stakes at Ascot on Wednesday.

A winner of three of his four outings on the all-weather, which included a facile four-length success on handicap debut at Southwell when last seen 179 days ago, John and Thady Gosden's Saxon Warrior colt was sent off a 5/1 chance to make his first start on turf a winning one.

The keen going Harper's Ferry ensured the pace was strong on the mile-straight course at Ascot, with the picturesque Tyrrehenian Sea his closest pursuer.

In contrast, both market leader Docklands (15/8) and Sardinian Warrior were happy to bide their time more towards the far side and once those at the head of affairs came back to the field, it quickly became apparent that they were going to play a major role in the finish.

Docklands moved to the quarters of Sardinian Warrior travelling kindly as they approached the final furlong, but Kieran Shoemark had saved something on his mount, who continued to fight on under pressure.

The pair set off to fight it out inside the final 50 yards and although Sardinian Warrior drifted slightly off a true line, he was always keeping Docklands at bay, with the Harry Eustace-trained contender once again having to settle for the runner-up spot in this contest just like he did twelve months ago.

"It was a very smart performance, and he'll come on plenty for that," said Thady Gosden. "He's run a great race and I'm very pleased with him.

Paddy Power cut the winner to 14/1 for the Queen Anne Stakes back at the Royal meeting in June, with Thady Gosden suggesting that a return to Ascot would likely be on the cards.

He said: "There's still plenty of time between now and June, so we've got a bit of time to see if we can go somewhere in between or hold fire until then"

"That was his first start of the year, and he was probably 80% ready today, so you'd like to think that he'll improve."

Winning jockey Kieran Shoemark added: "He's a really talented horse, it was his first day on the grass today and it certainly eked out some more improvement,"

"He's got lots of ability, he was just about ready for today's outing, and I think he'll come on plenty.

"I think he's a miler. He was possibly getting a little bit tired, as Docklands was getting to me, but I think he's a solid miler."