Jean-Claude Rouget’s Ace Impact (9/1) took the step up to Group 1 level in his stride with an emphatic victory in this afternoon’s Qatar Prix du Jockey Club.

The gallop looked strong with the 5/2 market leader and confirmed front-runner Big Rock making his intentions clear from the outset.

Connections and backers of Big Rock would have been more than happy entering the home straight as one by one horses began to fade away.

However, the petrol light was soon verging on empty and Ace Impact, who was held up plumb last for much of the contest, began his charge down the centre of the track.

The son of Cracksman soon swept on by under Cristian Demuro and pulled away for a really taking three-and-a-half length victory with Big Rock hanging on for a credible second.

The French 2000 Guineas winner Marhaba Ya Sanafi (9/1) certainly proved his effectiveness over the trip with a running on third while Pascal Bary's supplemented Feed The Flame (3/1) finished back in fourth in a race dominated by the home contingent.

It wasn't to be for Frankie Dettori following his Epsom Oaks Classic success but his mount, Epictetus, did fare best of the British and Irish contenders back in fifth.

Aidan O'Brien was unable to replicate yesterday's Epsom Derby success as Ryan Moore eased off Continuous in the closing stages to finish a well-beaten eighth.

Ace Impact's victory also saw Sottsass' 2019 course record lowered.

It was also the first Group 1 success for dual Champion Stakes winner Cracksman as a sire.

Jean-Claude Rouget said: "It's easier when we are sure to have a good horse out in front [Big Rock]. The fact was to come and beat him was not easy. Big Rock is a very good horse."

"I saw it in my mind that he had the potential to do it. Secretly, I was very optimistic."

"We don't know the limit of this horse. This horse had only had three races and very quiet ones. We don't know if he has 3kg to go 6kg to go or 10kg to go."

When asked if there was more to come, he replied: "Why not. Why not because he should do this season extremely well."

Regarding his future he went on to add: "We don't know we will see how he is next week."

Jean-Claude Rouget saddled last year's Prix du Jockey Club winner Vadeni to Coral Eclipse success at Sandown later in the year and Sky Bet make Ace Impact 10/1 for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Paddy Power make Ace Impact 10/1 from 50/1 for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October.