Starman claimed a fourth win from five career starts with a battling victory in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes.

Ed Walker’s speedball completed a hat-trick when winning the Listed Garrowby Stakes over the course and distance in September, but disappointed on his final start of 2020 on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot.

The four-year-old was a 5-1 shot for his reappearance in what appeared a particularly strong renewal of this Group Two contest, with last year’s July Cup hero Oxted, the promising Art Power and Ayr Gold Cup winner Nahaarr among his rivals.

Oisin Murphy settled Starman on the heels of the leaders on the far side of the track for the first half of the six-furlong contest, before asking him to go about his business passing the two pole.

The Dutch Art colt displayed a smart change of gear to grab the lead and had enough in reserve in the closing stages to hold the strong late challenge of Nahaarr at bay by a neck.

Oxted was just over three lengths further back in third, with Art Power ultimately a shade disappointing in sixth.

Coral make Starman the new 3-1 favourite for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot – and Walker confirmed that is the target.

Walker said: “The front two look good horses. Oisin said he got there a fraction early and wasn’t doing a lot in front. Hopefully off a stronger pace he could be even better, who knows.

“We never thought he’d be this good as he was so big at two, we couldn’t do a lot with him and Covid pushed his start back last year. He’s done nothing wrong since then other than on bottomless ground at Ascot.

“There’s cut in this ground today, but they’ve done an amazing job because the track is in great condition. It’s very fair ground, but I think he’ll be better on quick.

“It’s Ascot next for the Diamond Jubilee. He is in the King’s Stand and I thought maybe if Battaash didn’t make it – but I think it will be the Jubilee.”

Murphy said: “I’ve ridden him a little at home and Ed always had a high opinion of him. He looked really good today, he travelled well, he’s very chilled out and is a very exciting horse.

“I didn’t feel like I was stopping and the second is a horse who finds plenty for pressure, it will be interesting to watch the replay to see if the pack were closing.”

He added: “It’s great to find a really good horse again. He’s been placed very well and they are reaping the rewards now.”

In a sad postscript, York chief executive William Derby confirmed that the Roger Varian-trained Molatham, who finished last of the 12 runners, suffered a heart attack after the race.