West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon is to aim Youmzain at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after his charge's gallant second in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Channon was thrilled by his charge's display after he picked up £161,400 for finishing runner-up to Dylan Thomas, who stormed home by an impressive four lengths.

The quality of the race had been widely criticised beforehand, but Channon was vehement in his defence of the contest.

He said: "I have no problem with people saying something is substandard, if that's a fact I can live with that. But Dylan Thomas is a top-class horse.

"Maraahel (third) is a horse who has been consistent in Group 1 races everywhere, and if we're not careful all we are going to do is get these horses sold to Hong Kong and America, and British racing will be poorer for it.

"Our horse has run a cracker. I'm delighted. I'd have thought we will probably go to Germany and then the Arc."

Channon also unveiled a useful juvenile at the three-day fixture when Atlantic Sport made a winning debut in a six-furlong maiden.

Hugh Bowman got the son of Machiavellian home by a short head from favourite Skadrak to earn a quote of 25-1 from sponsors Stan James for next year's 2000 Guineas.

Channon said: "We have always thought a bit of him. He is from a very good family - everything from the family wins."

Wovoka provided the West Ilsley trainer with another Ascot winner on the opening day when taking a mile handicap under Darryll Holland.

Channon has also been racking up the winners around the country - including the opening event at Glorious Goodwood with Championship Point.

The four-year-old, who had landed the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot, came with an impressive late run to claim the Bank of Scotland Investment Service Stakes under Darryll Holland.

Menadha dead-heated with Autocue in a seven-furlong juvenile maiden at Newmarket, while Better Hand got off the mark in a similar contest at Sandown.

Tamara Moon landed a seven-furlong nursery at Catterick, and President Dan sprang a 33-1 shock in a mile and a half handicap at Folkestone.

Back at Ascot, East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison enjoyed success with Odiham in the two-mile handicap.

The six-year-old, ridden by Steve Drowne, beat Thewhirlingdervish by half a length to record his first win since 2004.

Morrison also struck with One Giant Leap, who made the 576-mile round trip to Carlisle pay with victory in the second division of a seven-furlong maiden.

The first division went to Blackat Blackitten, who rewarded Gerard Butler's enterprise in making the long trip up the M6 from Blewbury, near Didcot.

Signor Peltro provided Henry Candy's Kingstone Warren yard, near Wantage, with a welcome winner when taking a six-furlong handicap at Newmarket.

And Tor Sturgis, from nearby Kingston Lisle, sent out Champagne Shadow to complete a four-timer with victory in a two-mile handicap at Lingfield.