Pinatubo proved far too good for favourite Lope Y Fernandez in the opening race on Royal Ascot's final day, the Chesham Stakes.

Lope Y Fernandez was the market favourite for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore, who started the day two wins adrift of Frankie Dettori in the battle to be crowned the week's top jockey.

But Lope Y Fernandez could not give Moore a flying start to the final day, being thoroughly put in his place by the Charlie Appleby-trained Pinatubo.

The 5-4 favourite tried to go with the winner, but Pinatubo - a 3-1 shot - found plenty for James Doyle to run out an impressive winner, setting a course record for a two-year old en route to victory.

A dominant victory for Pinatubo in the opener (
Image:
PA)

Appleby told ITV Racing: "I'm delighted - he came here with the right credentials.

"He surprised me first time up when he won at Wolverhampton, but learnt plenty. We went to Epsom confident on the back of that and he showed an impressive turn of foot that day.

"I was confident throughout the race today that we were going to get the business done. We'll step up in class now, obviously.

"Something like the Vintage Stakes (at Goodwood) could be for him, the way he travels. The National Stakes (at the Curragh) wouldn't be out of the question later."

Pinatubo is currently a 10-1 shot for the 2000 Guineas, but that price is unlikely to last based on this display.

2.30pm - Chesham Stakes

1. Pinatubo 3-1

2. Lope Y Fernandez 5-4 Fav

3. Highland Chief 14-1

Pinatubo en route to victory (
Image:
REUTERS)

Rest to follow...

3.05pm - Jersey Stakes

1. Space Traveller - 25/1

2. Space Blues - 5/2F

3. Angel's Hideaway - 14/1

3.40pm - Hardwicke Stakes

1. Defoe 11/4F

2. Nagano Gold 25/1

3. Mirage Dancer 6/1

4.20pm Diamond Jubilee Stakes

1. Blue Point 6/4F

2. Dream of Dreams 12/1

3. Kachy 33/1

5.00pm - Wokingham Heritage Handicap

1. Cape Byron 7/2F

2. Tis Marvellous 14/1

3. Danzeno 7/1

4. Raucous 50/1

5.35pm - Queen Alexandra Stakes

1. Cleonte 7/2

2. Pallastor 10/1

3. Max Dynamite 10/3F