Starzintheireyes swoops late to land Zetland spoils

was sporting a big plaster on his face courtesy of giving him a bash earlier in the week, but all was forgiven as the pair stayed on powerfully to win the Palace Pier Zetland Stakes at .

If Ryan had any delusions of grandeur having won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Bluestocking last weekend, he was soon reminded of the ups and downs of the sport when the Ralph Beckett-trained juvenile headbutted him on the gallops.

The damage was only superficial and given the form Beckett’s string are currently in, not surprisingly Ryan did not want to miss any likely winners.

Successful at Pontefract, Bath and already at Newmarket this week since his Arc heroics, Ryan has enjoyed a stellar season and this March Chan-owned colt entered the Derby picture having showcased his stamina.

In a race run in filthy conditions, the youngsters finished well strung out, but with a furlong to run, Charlie Johnston’s Green Storm had shot clear, with the race seemingly in the bag.

Hot favourite Shackleton failed to pick up but Ryan had timed his challenge just right on the Starspangledbanner colt, who had finished second to the smart Field Of Gold on debut and since won easily at Leicester.

As Green Storm began to wander having been in front, Starzintheireyes (9-2) went clear to win by a length.

The winner was introduced into the Derby betting at 25-1 by Betfair and Paddy Power.

Ryan said: “He’s a big stayer, a big galloping horse. I would say this sort of ground and worse is his conditions and he’s going to grow up an awful lot from two to three, I think.

"Physically, he’s all there, but mentally it’s coming slowly, but nowhere near the final destination.

“He’s a lovely horse, just things are coming together slowly. I imagine next year he will be a better horse again.”