Bellum Justum, owned by Andrew Balding, will compete in the Betfred Derby immediately following his victory in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.
As a juvenile, the Sea The Stars colt made four starts and finished his campaign well when he won a Newmarket maiden over a mile in late September.
Earlier this week, he made a comeback to the track at Epsom, where he competed in a field of six horses in the Listed Blue Riband Trial over a mile and two furlongs.
Based on his Group form from the previous season, Aidan O'Brien's Chief Little Rock was the 4-5 favourite. Balding's runner was a 9-1 shot with stable jockey Oisin Murphy.
A furlong from home, the Irish raider lost ground to the bay, which was ridden prominently and eventually won by a length and a half. Roger Varian's Defiance held second place, and Chief Little Rock finished third, a neck behind the leader.
Due to Bellum Justum's achievements, connections have decided to send the colt directly to the June 1 Derby, as he has now demonstrated his ability to handle the challenging course at Epsom.
“We were delighted with his win in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom and the plan now is to go straight for the Derby,” the trainer said. “We know he handles the track, I’m pretty sure he will stay, and he is certainly in the mix for the places. He has ticked a lot of boxes, so we don’t see the point in running him again before the Derby.”