Manduro (left) strikes for home ahead of Dylan Thomas at Ascot

Sir Percy set the pace for much of the race with Notnowcato and Manduro, the 15-8 favourite, on his tail.

As they entered the final two furlongs Manduro and Dylan Thomas both mounted a challenge and quickly went clear.

Dylan Thomas briefly threatened but Manduro, ridden by Stephane Pasquier, was never headed and went on to win by a length, with Notnowcato in third.

606: DEBATE Manduro looked great in the paddock and was just a bit too quick for Dylan this time YM

Manduro was third in the 2006 Prince of Wales's Stakes behind Ouija Board.

Trainer Andre Fabre told BBC Sport: "He got boxed in last year and is a horse who needs space, but Stephane had a clear run this time.

"He's a top-class miler and pace is not a problem for him. I was a little worried with the distance last year but I'm convinced he'll get a mile and a half.

"He's entered in King George and the Arc is the obvious target,"

Winning owner Baron Georg Von Ullmann said: "It is amazing, we've been here a few times but a winner had never come our way. It's a dream.

"He was very unlucky last year. He had three or four rides where he was in the wrong position and perhaps he could have won more races."

Pasquier is now unbeaten in four rides on Manduro. "He's improving every time he runs," said the jockey.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien declared himself happy with Dylan Thomas's second place.