Sixties Icon followers had a brief moment of panic as the 11-10 favourite missed the break and lost half a dozen lengths in the Grosvenor Casinos Cumberland Lodge Stakes - but it made very little difference.

Jeremy Noseda's 2006 St Leger winner and solid Group performer was quickly back into contention under Frankie Dettori as Sugar Ray took the small field along at a sedate pace.

When Dettori pushed the button, luck was on his side as a perfect gap opened and he pulled readily away to win by two and a quarter lengths.

Dettori said: "He's never done this (missed the break) before, but he's an old horse and is quite clever about the game.

"He eventually came out (of the stalls) and it was a good effort because he was giving five lengths and 3lb to the field.

"He won it decisively, but for a split-second I was worried.

"He showed a tremendous turn of foot and there's a ticket open for America now."

Owner Paul Roy added: "Jeremy is keen to go to the Breeders' Cup and he'll then have one more run in either Hong Kong or Singapore, after which he will be retired.

"I have almost completed a deal on his stud career.''