No poetic justice as it turns messy but Stoute still pleased with Word

Being the horse rated second-highest in the world does not guarantee you luck in running.

Winx, the table-topper, may have come from a tricky position to land her 26th straight victory in Australia last week, but that's her style and she was a 1-4 favourite taking on horses not of her calibre.

But Poet's Word, who comes hard on the wonder mare's heels in the rankings after victories in the Prince of Wales's Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes this summer, faced top-class rivals in the Juddmonte International. –

Well though he stayed on after being short of room early in the straight, Roaring Lion was not for catching and James Doyle's mount was beaten three and a quarter lengths into second.

"James said it was very messy," said trainer Sir Michael Stoute. "He had to switch direction."We thought we were in a good position turning in and then we were in the worst position. He was very brave to get balanced and run back and get second. I could only be pleased with him. The winner had gone when we were getting reorganised."

Stoute ruled out a crack at the Irish Champion Stakes but, asked about other possible targets, he said: "It's too early. Let's get him back, see how we think he is, have a chat with the owner. He's in everything he could be in.

Asked whether a mile and a quarter of a mile and a half was the horse's best trip, Stoute said: "I do think he's equally effective."

Qipco 2,000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior was fourth, and Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley said: "He travelled well. Whether we have to consider dropping him down in trip for his next run is very possible."

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