Cuban Thunder demonstrated plenty of determination to win the Frank Whittle Partnership EBFstallions.com Maiden Stakes at York on Thursday and will head to Royal Ascot as part of a strong Amo Racing team.

Cuban Thunder demonstrated plenty of determination to win the Frank Whittle Partnership EBFstallions.com Maiden Stakes at York on Thursday and will head to Royal Ascot as part of a strong Amo Racing team.

The form of his debut second at Newmarket was proving very strong with Royal Ascot targets set for winner Blue Storm and the third placed horse, Hackman, winning at Chester during the May Festival.

The Profitable colt was always prominent with Amo's retained rider Kevin Stott and was pushed to take the lead one furlong out. He showed a good attitude to hold off Godolphin's Impressive Act by two lengths with We Never Stop a head back in third.

Trainer Dominic Ffrench Davis said, "He ran a blinder at Newmarket and he's such a laid back individual he was half-asleep that day.

"Today he was very different and I did think York might do that to him as they have to walk over the track and can get a little bit on their toes. I knew he'd cope with it, but he got a little bit warm.

"He was very professional in the race. Halfway through he switched off and Kevin wondered how well he was going, but he asked him to quicken and he was straight back on the bridle.

"He'll get seven furlongs and he's a lovely horse going forward. The team will have to decide about Royal Ascot, but he'd have to be in mind for the Coventry if there was bit of juice in the ground."