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Expert jury: is Mishriff the best horse in the world?

Top of the world: David Egan celebrates after Mishriff slammed the opposition at York
Top of the world: David Egan celebrates after Mishriff slammed the opposition at YorkCredit: Grossick Racing

Mishriff routed the opposition in Wednesday's Juddmonte International, streaking away to win by six lengths. But where does his performance put him in terms of other current equine superstars worldwide? Three Racing Post experts have their say.


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Yes over 1m2f. No over 1m4f. He was in his comfort zone throughout the Juddmonte International and made some top-notch performers look slow when David Egan pressed go.

You could certainly argue neither Mohaafeth or Alcohol Free stayed and the rerouted Love wasn't herself and is better over 1m4f, but the fact of the matter is Mishriff won by six lengths and it could have been more. It was a sensational performance.

Adayar was too powerful for Mishriff in the closing stages of the King George and I couldn't envisage Mishriff beating either him or Snowfall (giving her weight) in the Arc.

It would be nice to think Mishriff and St Mark's Basilica could meet again in the Champion Stakes. If they did, I would fancy Mishriff.
David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor

David Egan and Mishriff parade in front of the stands after winning the Juddmonte at York
David Egan and Mishriff parade in front of the stands after winning the Juddmonte at YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

The most remarkable horse in the world

To win the prizes he has in four different countries, on both dirt and turf, and at a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, makes him absolutely the most remarkable horse in the world.

John Gosden has been working towards the Juddmonte International all year and in terms of raw performance this might turn out to be his high-water mark, although wherever he goes next, it won't be dull.

Three-year-olds Adayar and St Mark's Basilica have both beaten him on the road to York and whether he can crown his season with yet more international glory might depend on whether he is asked to concede weight-for-age again to a top-notcher from the Classic generation.

If I had to hang my hat on who will be world champion at the end of the season I'd probably just plump for Mishriff's successor in the Prix du Jockey Club, St Mark's Basilica.

But the Juddmonte International winner has made a bold bid for that title and is worthy of all our admiration.
Scott Burton, France correspondent


'My best day on track' – Mishriff masterclass a thrill for David Egan


He achieved the fastest time since 2013

He was officially rated 3lb inferior to Adayar and St Mark's Basilica prior to his Juddmonte International romp, so he wasn't far off the best anyway.

He probably didn't need to be at his best to win given Alcohol Free and Love didn't run their races, but I wouldn't be surprised if his rating was boosted to match the aforementioned three-year-olds as he achieved the fastest time in the race since 2013.

Should he win the Breeders' Cup Classic it's fair to assume that he is the most versatile top-level horse in training given prior Group 1 successes in Dubai and Saudi Arabia and his ability to perform on turf and dirt.

Whether he's the best horse in the world or not, he's another super flagbearer for John and Thady Gosden and will likely thrive as a stallion.
Tom Collins, tipster


Juddmonte International: full result and race replay


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