Kew Gardens wins the Zetland Stakes for O'Brien

Kew Gardens was a decisive winner of the Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes at Newmarket.

Fourth behind stablemate and leading Derby contender Saxon Warrior in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh three weeks ago, Aidan O'Brien's juvenile was the 13-8 favourite for this 10-furlong Listed event.

Ryan Moore controlled the pace in front and, with the rail to help, kicked for home over a furlong out.

Dee Ex Bee and Graffiti Master went in pursuit, but Kew Gardens was well on top at the line, passing the post three and a half lengths in front of the former.

Moore told ITV Racing: "He's got some very good form and has ran into some good colts in Ireland.

"The step up in trip has helped him and he probably enjoyed running on nicer ground.

"He's done that very smoothly. He was happy the whole way and just kept picking up."

O'Brien said: "Ryan was very happy and said he was very uncomplicated.

"He's a very good-natured, genuine, good-moving horse. Ryan said he galloped out very well.

"I'd imagine he'll start in the Derby trial (next season) and that's the type of horse we think he is - a classic mile-and-a-quarter, mile-and-a-half horse."

Kew Gardens was cut to around the 25-1 mark about winning next year's Derby at Epsom.

O'Brien added: "I would say he's a Derby-type horse. France would be an option for him, for sure.

"I would say that would be it for the year but you never know.

"We take it day by day with the two-year-olds. They will tell us what's best."