Azamour displayed a truly exceptional turn of foot to come from a position of last into the straight, swooping to the front in the final fifty yards of the Champion Stakes under an ice-cool Michael Kinane.
Norse Dancer, just collared towards the finish of the Juddmonte last time, had looked likely to score when leading inside the final furlong, but that 20/1 shot couldnt cope with the storming late run of the 8/1 winner.
John Oxx expressed slight worries beforehand that a lay-off of 3 months might tell against his colt, although describing him as fit and well, and this allied to a first attempt at the trip may have caused the inflated S.P.
Kinane said afterwards that it wasnt the plan to find himself that far back and that he was a little worried he had left himself too much to do. He described the performance of his mount as special.
Oxx was also full of praise for the Aga-Khan-owned 3yo, saying, hes a beautiful horse to train, the crhme-de-la-crhme of the breed, he has the constitution to resist everything.
As on future plans, it is likely the son of Night Shift will remain in training next year, with the successful handler surmising, whether he could go a little further (in distance) remains to be seen.
Disappointment of the race was undoubtedly Doyen (4/5 fav), who only managed to beat one home. Frankie Dettori described his partner as feeling, completely flat, and perhaps an explanation will come to light.
Oxx and Kinane went on to complete a 62/1 double when Cold Cold Woman made a successful hcap bow in the 1m 1f race.
Soviet Song was the other headline maker, James Fanshawes filly making it three Group 1s in a row, as she displayed plenty of determination to overhaul gallant front-runner, Attraction in the Matron Stakes.
Sent off the 8/13 fav to gain the fourth win at the highest level of her career, Johnny Murtaghs mount only nabbed her market-rival well inside the final furlong to secure a verdict of half a length.
Afterwards Murtagh expressed the view that he always thought hed peg back Attraction in the straight, as he had every confidence in the filly. He then added, if she stays in training shell be awesome next year.
Elsewhere Aidan OBrien and Jamie Spencer had begun the day with an opening race double. A full-brother to the Champion Stakes winner of four years ago, Giants Causeway, Tiger Dance won the 7f maiden.
Making his debut, the 4/5 market-leader led from under a furlong out and quickly put 4 1/2L between himself and the opposition. OBrien commented of his tongue-strapped charge, hes a fine big scopey horse.
Well-backed Acropolis (3s to 2/1 fav) completed the Ballydoyle brace in the Listed Kilternan Stakes. Getting to the front inside the final 100 yards, this fellow scored by quite a snug 1/2L at the line.
Though he had to survive a stewards enquiry, the result was never really in doubt and the son of Sadlers Wells who had a few problems in the spring, was described by his trainer as a lovely horse in the making.
Empirical Power made all under Declan McDonagh for Eddie Lynam to bring up his hat-trick in the 7f hcap whilst Addario went one better, landing her fourth straight success in the 1m 4f contest.
Kestrel Cross continued the in-form theme as he secured his third victory in as many runs in the closing nursery for Kevin Prendergast and Christy Geoghegan.
