Royal Ascot: Charyn sparkles in Queen Anne

ran out the opening winner of this year's with a commanding success in the Queen Anne Stakes under Silvestre de Sousa for trainer . 

The 10-3 favourite was handy throughout before gradually powering clear in the final few furlongs and, while Ascot specialist reduced the arrears late in the piece, the grey still had two and a quarter lengths in hand at the line from the 10-1 runner-up, with the well-supported running on well for third at 15-2. 

The winning rider told ITV Racing: "What I done was very little, I just had to wait for the right moment and he done it quite nicely. 

"He's such a gentleman, you [only] just have to ask him a question."

Varian added: "It doesnt get any better, a Group One at Royal Ascot. It's a great day and I'm so delighted. 

"You have to say he's improved as he's got older - he ran some fine races at the top table last year but he seems to have found a new level this year. His last run in the Lockinge was outstanding and he's confirmed that today. 

"Silvestre is convinced that he will stay a mile and a quarter, but he's not doing much wrong at a mile at the moment. 

"We'll speak to [owner] Nurlan [Bizakov] and his team about what to do next."

Harry Eustance admitted his excitement at how well Docklands travelled up in grade on his Group One debut and the trainer is likely to aim higher with his stable star for the rest of the season now. 

"When you step up into Group One company you just hope you're competitive," Eustace told ITV Racing. 

"He just loves this race track, and second-best on the day - we'll take that. 

"Oz has always been on the agenda at the end of the year, but I'd say the aims and stepping stones into it have slightly changed after that."

Rider said:  “That was a really good run, it’s just a shame to miss out. He deserved it and we really thought he had a chance.

“Annoyingly I never felt I was going to get to the winner, but I can’t fault him. I’m so pleased and the connections are so happy, he’s definitely got a Group One in him.

“The tracks he’s not performed well at are Goodwood in a small field and France with a slow pace. He’s such a strong traveller and he likes to be buried in amongst them, he can creep into it on the straight here. I’m just hoping he doesn’t go to Australia!” 

Trainer says he will campaign third Maljoom "like a good horse" after a second good run of the season after a prolonged injury setback earlier in his career. 

"He's getting his confidence back which is what we want," Haggas told ITV Racing. 

"There's still a bit to go yet, but that was a good run and next time I think we'll see him at his best."

On future targets, the trainer added: "Probably the Summer Mile here on July 13, and if he can do that then maybe the Jacques Le Marois. He's in the Sussex, but we'll see.

"We'll campaign him like a good horse."