Outstanding prospect Camelot maintained his unbeaten record with a thrilling victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday to give Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien his sixth win in the classic.
Camelot had been the Guineas favourite ever since his brilliant win in the G1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October and lived up to his lofty reputation in the classic in the hands of the trainer's son Joseph.
The field broke into three groups from the stalls with Camelot (15-8 favourite) towards the rear of the main pack.
He weaved his way through the field before digging deep to get the better of French Fifteen by a neck on the line with Hermival, two and a quarter lengths away in third.
Joseph O'Brien said: "He has a lot of class and speed, I always felt I was getting there.
"He got a bit tired in the last 100 yards but hopefully he will come on for it.
"I didn't get the best run through, I was a long way back, but he was very relaxed and will be much better going a bit further."
Aidan O'Brien added: "It's one of those unbelievable days. We knew from the statistics that Camelot had a lot against him, we knew he had a lot to overcome, but we always thought he was very special.
"We knew he was a very brilliant horse and that he had a lot of speed, but I was worried about the ground.
"I'm delighted for everybody and all those who work with him every day. We are very lucky to have such a horse and I can't tell you how grateful and privileged I feel that Joseph has been allowed to ride him."
On plans, O'Brien said: "It's like it always is. We will go home and talk about it and make a decision.
"We have lots to look forward to and we'll take it one race at a time."You would imagine looking at the Derby would be a very suitable race for him."
The French connections of the placed horses in the 2000 Guineas also have major prizes in mind after chasing home Camelot.
Prix Djebel winner French Fifteen's trainer Nicolas Clement said: "I'm delighted with that and the winner was exceptional.
"It's possible we could go for the French Derby or St James's Palace next."
Trainer Mikel Delzangles was thrilled with the effort of Hermival.
"I can't complain, he ran a great race and the two in front of him are definitely good horses.
"It was only his third ever run, so I hope he can improve. He's in the Irish Guineas and we will see about that."
The first of the British-trained horses home was Richard Hannon's Craven winner Trumpet Major in fourth.
"He's run a good race but I don't think I would run him on ground like that again. We will probably go to Ascot, which gives us six weeks for the St James's Palace, but the ground would need to be right for him," Hannon said.
