Damysus continued his progressive arc through the ranks with a determined success in Saturday's Group 3 Too Darn Hot Darley Stakes at Newmarket, giving the Frankel colt his first Pattern race victory and confirming his upward trajectory for Wathnan Racing.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained three-year-old, who had won stylishly in the Listed Prix Nureyev at Deauville last time, made it two from two since that step up to middle distances, with James Doyle delivering a well-timed ride over the nine furlongs.

Breaking well from a field of six, Damysus settled in fourth as Mister Rizz set the pace, with favourite Gladius tracking in second. The son of Frankel appeared to be traveling comfortably throughout, with Doyle content to bide his time as the tempo increased entering the final three furlongs.

Over two furlongs from home, the leaders came under pressure while Damysus was still traveling strongly and yet to be asked for an effort. Moving smoothly into contention, he joined the market leader Gladius in a battle for supremacy, with First Conquest closing fast on the near side.

Inside the final furlong, Damysus quickened decisively to take a narrow advantage over the favourite and stayed on strongly to win by three-quarters of a length, with Gladius holding second and First Conquest taking third.

The victory continues an excellent season for the colt, who is bred by Newsells Park Stud and Merry Fox Stud, and suggests there could be more to come as he gains experience at this level. His pedigree—being by champion sire Frankel—hints at further improvement, and connections will now be weighing up autumn options following this Group-race breakthrough.