Goodwood round-up: New London favourite for St Leger after victory in Gordon Stakes

New London was promoted into St Leger favouritism following a resounding success in the John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

Seen as Godolphin's premier Derby horse before disappointing at Chester, his career is now well and truly back on track.

Successful in handicap company at Newmarket last time out, the Dubawi colt was back up in grade for this Group Two – which was run at a strong gallop thanks to the exploits of West Wind Blows and Al Qareem.

Briefly William Buick was a bit tapped for toe as the speed increased three furlongs out, but as the front runners started to tread water New London and Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal were left in front.

Ryan Moore dropped his whip on Hoo Ya Mal, but it made little difference as the 6-4 favourite pulled clear. Deauville Legend, winner of the Bahrain Trophy, pipped Ho Ya Mal for second.

The winner is now no bigger than 7-2 for the final British Classic of the season, which his trainer Charlie Appleby won last year with Hurricane Lane.

"He went from winning a novice at Newmarket to being Derby favourite which takes a bit of doing, but at Chester it just didn’t happen," said Buick.

"Yes, the ground was bad and that was a factor, but Charlie has done a great job in bringing him back.

"New London has achieved more than Secret State (Wednesday’s winner who is also in the St Leger). That was a deep Gordon field with the Derby second. He has passed the test and Secret State is up and coming – let’s see if he can do it."

Alex Merriam, Appleby’s assistant, said: "He’s done nothing, but improve. It wasn’t the greatest run in the trial, after which Charlie felt he should miss the Derby.

"He’s not in the Voltigeur, so we will let the dust settle and see how he is next week before making a plan.