Ghaiyyath the best around but will he prove it once and for all in Paris?

While there is greater potential in the likes of Love and Palace Pier, on the evidence presented Ghaiyyath now has only one genuine rival for the title of best turf horse in the world. That horse runs at York on Friday.

With every run this season, Ghaiyyath has augmented his standing on two counts. Ability, obviously, but also constitution. This is no longer the edgy, somewhat self-destructive animal of previous years. That is something else he shares with Battaash.

What was most impressive in the Juddmonte International was how he controlled a select field. He went fast enough to burn off Lord North, tease out Kameko's stamina limitations and never let Magical get close enough to entice him into a battle. He did so without ever looking like he might compromise his own finishing effort.