Stravagante proved too good for his 12 rivals in the opener on Investec Derby Day, but placed horses Gibeon and Taper Tantrum ran fine races.

Third-placed Taper Tantrum, who was beaten three and a quarter lengths and one and a half lengths by the Ryan Moore-ridden winner, was making his seasonal debut after a long lay-off.

Trainer Michael Bell said of Taper Tantrum: "He's been off for 300 days, and while he was pretty fit today, I think the track caught him out a bit. He's a nice horse and one for the future.

"He had a tiny set-back and while we aimed to start him off in May we had to miss a month. He's a very sound horse and he stayed this trip well and should get further. I doubt he will go up enough in the weights to get into the King George V Handicap [at Royal Ascot], but we'll just look for a race like that."

The first three all came away from the inside running rail and finished near the middle of the track, but trainer Richard Hannon, who saddled Gibeon, the early pace-setter, said that was not a grand plan. He added: "He ran a super race and obviously enjoyed the track and being out in front - I was pleased to see him staying on after the winner came past. You might see him at [Royal] Ascot next."