Yashin made his first start for trainer Michael Bell a winning one when downing the hat-trick-seeking Sagaro Stakes regular Coltrane at Ascot on Wednesday.

Despite being a former Group 3 winner in Ireland when trained by Jessica Harrington, Yashin seemed to have something to find on form with Coltrane, who was sent off a 4/6 favourite to claim a third Sagaro victory following wins in the previous two seasons.

However, it swiftly became clear that the reigning champion, who had sat in the coattails of the front-running Divine Comedy throughout, had a fight on his hands.

Yashin moved upsides with a furlong to travel and although Oisin Murphy did his best to conjure a rally from Andrew Balding's charge, Michael Bell's latest recruit was always coming home that little bit stronger, ultimately running on to score by a commanding length under Callum Shepherd.

"That was a perfect start for us having been bought off Jessie and Kate Harrington," said Bell. "They didn't go much pace today and he's a horse that has won over a mile and a quarter in the past, so that really suited him.

"That said, the horse wasn't 100% ready, so the Ascot Gold Cup needs to certainly be considered anyway.

"We have to go up another half a mile in trip, but he's a great big horse so I don't see why he wouldn't get it.

"There are lots of nice other targets, like even the Melbourne Cup could be on the agenda as well.

"It's just fantastic to see the horse continue to progress, fill his frame and I'm delighted for connections."

Bookmakers Paddy Power quickly reacted by cutting the winner to 8/1 for the Chester Cup next week, although Nick Bell, assistant to his father, revealed it would be unlikely that he was turned out quickly.

Bell added: "I doubt he'll go to the Chester Cup to be honest. He's a big horse who you probably wouldn't want to rush back, Chester is a tight track as well.

"We put him in it to incase he finished second to Coltrane today and his mark would be unchanged. I think we'll leave the Chester Cup, but I'll have to confirm that with the old man (Michael) and the owners."

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