Anthony Van Dyck beats Stradivarius in the Prix Foy at ParisLongchamp

Anthony Van Dyck claimed his first success since last year's Investec Derby at Epsom when holding off Stradivarius in the Qatar Prix Foy at ParisLongchamp.

The three-time Ascot Gold Cup winner was widely expected to book his place in next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and was sent off the heavily-backed 8/13 favourite for trainer John Gosden and Frankie Dettori.

However, he was never quite able to master the Aidan O'Brien-trained Anthony Van Dyck who made a welcome return to winning ways with a wholehearted display that saw him hold off all challengers before fending off one final thrust from Stradivarius.

Mickael Barzalona was evidently keen to dictate terms from the front but despite enjoying his own way throughout, Anthony Van Dyck looked in trouble when a number of his rivals loomed up with a couple of furlongs to run.

The four-year-old son of Galileo kept responding to Barzalona's urgings, though, and even when Stradivarius eventually found top gear having initially been tapped for toe when the pace quickened, the latter couldn't get past as the pair hit the winning line.

Despite meeting defeat, Gosden was far from disappointed by Stradivarius’ performance and confirmed the Arc as his next target.

He said: “It was a very typical French trial – they didn’t go a great pace.

“In these races you can either make your own pace, run a pacemaker or just follow – I’ve known them go even slower than they did today, but they did go pretty steady.

“I was happy with the way he finished the race – his last furlong was his best furlong. In that respect he’s run a good trial for the Arc and that’s where he’ll be going.

“He’s travelled over there now and behaved himself pretty well. I’m happy with the run as a trial.”

Sky Bet are now Non Runner No Bet on the Arc with Stradivarius available at 14/1.