The best thoroughbred in the world on official figures, Sea The Stars, lived up to his title after he clinched his fourth Group 1 of the year in the Juddmonte International at York on Tuesday.
The dual-Classic and Coral Eclipse winning hero was sent off the `¼ favourite and smashed York’s 1m2½f course record, just about getting his head in front of Irish 2000 Guineas winner, Mastercraftsman .
With the late deferral of Tartan Bearer on Monday, only four went to post, three of which were trained by Aidan O’Brien.
However, team tactics were not enough to get the better of John Oxx’s superstar, despite it looking for a moment like Sea The Stars would not get up (trading at 3/1 in running).
John Oxx was understandably delighted and said: "They probably went a steady pace and of course Mastercraftsman is no tourist. He took it to him there at the end and just made him work.
"He's just had to fight a bit and he only just does enough, but as long as he keeps winning we won't worry."
Winning jockey Mick Kinane added: "I asked him to go and quicken up between the two Ballydoyle pacemakers, which was probably a bit of a risky manoeuvre, but I wanted to follow Johnny [Murtagh, on Mastercraftsman] through.
"So I let him quicken up and then eased him down. Then Johnny quickened and found a couple of lengths and his horse has run a hell of a race.
"Just a combination of those things made it more difficult than maybe it should have been."
Aidan O'Brien was not let down by Mastercraftsman and explained: "This fellow loves to get into a battle, but Mick rode a brilliant race on Sea The Stars. It was a great race and the winner is a great horse.
"He's not short on speed, our fellow, but he can run either over a mile or a mile and a quarter. I'm not sure where he will go now - all options are open to him."
Murtagh added: "He ran his heart out and I'm very proud of him. The distance was no problem today, and we nearly got there."
Paddy Power make Sea The Stars the 1-2 favourite for the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes - his intended next race - while William Hill make him 4-7 (first show).
William Hill also left Sea The Stars unchanged at 4-1 for the Qatar Prix l'Arc de Triomphe and 7-2 for the Breeders' Cup Classic, although it has not yet been confirmed what races he will be aimed at.
