Libranno landed the John Sunley Memorial Criterion Stakes at Newmarket for the second year running with a battling display under Richard Hughes.

The four-year-old, who was completing a double at the meeting for Hughes and trainer Richard Hannon, led from the stalls in the seven-furlong Group Three event.

Hoof It, the 6/4 favourite who was attempting the trip for the first time, sat in his slipstream for much of the race but he was a spent force as he was eased by Frankie Dettori in the final furlong.

That left Edinburgh Knight (4/1) and Majestic Myles as Libranno's two main threats but the 10/3 chance fought them off in the closing stages to triumph by half a length from the former.

Richard Hannon jnr said: "He wasn't showing any sparkle earlier in the season but he's back in top form now. I'd say there's a good chance he'll come back here for the July Cup now.

"There are other options as well like the Prix Maurice de Gheest and a couple of races in Turkey."