Big Orange produced another determined front-running display to successfully defend his crown in the Qatar Goodwood Cup.

Just as he had 12 months ago, Michael Bell's imposing gelding lined up on the Sussex Downs on the back of victory in the Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket and he was the 11-4 favourite to strike gold once more in the hands of Jamie Spencer.

A smart start allowed the five-year-old to adopt his customary role at the head of affairs and he steadily wound up the gallop.

Spencer was hard at work from two furlongs down, with several horses laying down challenges, but Big Orange refused to yield and galloped all the way to the line to score by a length and a quarter.

The giant Pallasator passed the post in second, just ahead of Sheikhzayedroad, who came home well for third.

Spencer said: "He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's a big strong galloper and he's got stronger since last year and can sustain top speed for longer.

"I'm not convinced this is his track. On flat tracks he's much better as you can really let him at it, but you have to slow down for the bends here."

Spencer added: "He was tough when it came to it. They came to me at the three and matched me for speed and the last furlong he just outstayed them again.

"I always wanted to be leading or sat second, but he got on with it and put them to the sword."

Bell was thrilled with the performance but reticent to commit to another Melbourne Cup trip after Big Orange finished fifth in the 'race that stops a nation' last year.

He said: "He's an enormous horse and big horses tend to mature with age. It's a cliche but like a fine wine, he's getting better with age. He's just a star to have in the yard, it's lovely to have him.

"He loves this fast ground and he's got such a high cruising speed, an enormous stride and, touch wood, he's a very sound horse.

"Bill is not so keen, Tim (Gredley, owners) is very keen, I'd be quite keen but I think we will have to see what weight he's got before we commit.

"There's other possible targets for him like the Canadian International and the Hong Kong race, but there's a lot to be chewed over and we will enjoy doing it.

"Bear in mind Melbourne is a handicap and if you get a prohibitive weight, there's no point in going."

Sir Mark Prescott felt Pallasator had posted a career-best effort in defeat.

He said: "We had a plan, it was a pleasure to watch and we just got beat. I suppose (that would be a career best). I think Big Orange is improving all the time and I think it was probably as good as we've done.

"He wasn't too bad (behaviour before the race), they made him go a couple of times more round the paddock than he likes but he seems to be getting a bit better.

"I was saying to someone he is like John McEnroe - if you're horrible enough for long enough, but you're good enough, in the end everybody likes you. He's just getting to that stage!"

David Simcock was pleased enough with Sheikhzayedroad, who was also third in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, and is planning an international campaign.

He said: "I'm very happy with him. He's run a lovely race, we've been beaten a length and a quarter.

"He's probably does need things to fall right for him but at the same time I couldn't be happier with him.

"He will go to Canada. Whether he goes for something before that, I don't know, there are lots of options for him like the Lonsdale Cup and the Doncaster Cup."

BHA