French colt Earthlight has extended his unbeaten record to five with his victory in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
Trained by Andrew Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, Earthlight held off the persistent challenge of Golden Horde.
There was drama before the race with the also-unbeaten Siskin withdrawn after going down in the stalls.
Earthlight beat 100-1 chance Golden Horde by a neck.
“It is just a matter of having the right horse. It is a difficult race to win. You need speed and experience, and this horse has both,” Fabre said.
“I was very confident all the way, as he was travelling easily and I know he (Barzalona) still had something under the saddle, so I was confident.
“For sure (will get a mile), he could even go a bit further – with the pedigree. We’ll prepare for the (2000) Guineas, see what happens – he is the right type, but he will go further, he will get a mile and a quarter (2000m)”
Earthlight is in the same Godolphin ownership as the brilliant Pinatubo and the pair may clash next season.
“It will have be discussed, obviously,” Fabre said.
“Sheikh Mohammed is a sportsman and he wouldn’t mind one running one against another, but we will see.
“He would have a prep race for the Guineas, as he is stocky heavy horse that needs some work. It would probably be in France, ground depending.”
Trainer Clive Cox was delighted with the effort of Golden Horde.
“He appreciated the slightly drier ground. He has been Group One-placed twice this year and we have got an awful lot to look forward to next year.”