Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner-up Orfevre again had to settle for second spot behind Gentildonna in the Japan Cup.
Orfevre was sent off favourite on the back of his narrow defeat at Longchamp, despite the fact his Arc conqueror Solemia was also in the Grade One race.
Beat Black set out to make all in the mile-and-a-half race and he still held a healthy five-length advantage at the top of the straight.
However, his early efforts began to tell and as the field began to reel him back in, Orfevre was switched to launch his challenge as Gentildonna also began to motor on the rail.
Yasunari Iwata found himself a bit short of room on Gentildonna and forced his way out, bumping into Orfevre, before just edging in front by a nose at the line.
The stewards' were quick to call an inquiry into the finish but eventually ruled in favour of Gentildonna with Rulership in third, completing a one-two-three for owners the Sunday Racing Co.
Red Cadeaux appeared to fare best of the European raiders while Solemia never looked like taking a hand in the finish.
