Ryan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
War Decree got back on the winning trail with an authoritative display in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Aidan O'Brien's American-bred colt looked the part on his Leopardstown debut at the start of June, but was beaten by the Godolphin-owned Boynton when a short-priced favourite for Newmarket's Superlative Stakes and the pair did battle once more on the Sussex Downs.
War Decree was the 6-4 favourite to gain his revenge at Group Two level and was always travelling powerfully in behind the pacesetters under Ryan Moore.
Once angled wide, it took War Decree a little while to hit top gear, but the further he went the better he looked and he was well on top at the finish.
Godolphin's apparent second-string Thunder Snow was a length and three-quarters away in second, with Boynton only third on this occasion.
Moore said: "Like all of Aidan's two-year-olds he's improved a great deal from Newmarket and with every run he's progressed.
"He's a very well-balanced horse and a very good mover.
"He's a nice type and he was still green when he got to the front. I'd say he'll improve again.
"I felt we could (reverse the form with Boynton), getting 3lb and just inexperience cost him the last day."
