Racing:Canford Cliffs fully justified Richard Hannon's faith in his ability with a devastating display to win the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
An impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes last season, he has been beaten in three subsequent races, including in the English Guineas where he finished third.
He travelled supremely well for Richard Hughes after settling perfectly in the early stages and the 9-4 favourite's electric turn of foot was once again in evidence as he beat Free Judgement (25-1) by three lengths, with Viscount Nelson (20-1) third.
The field was taken through the first half of the race by two of Aidan O'Brien's pacemakers but the race started in earnest when Oasis Dancer hit the front with two furlongs to go.
Keredari and Xtension were also in the firing line but all the while Hughes could be spotted in his favourite position, watching the leaders as he sat motionless in the rear.
He moved through the pack like a knife through butter and when the button was pressed, the response was immediate.
Johnny Murtagh tried tracking him on Steinbeck but could not pick up in the same manner and ran on to fourth.
Jim Bolger's Free Judgement came with a sweeping run down the outside to claim second while the first-time visor appeared to work on Viscount Nelson.
But in truth this Classic was all about one horse.
The winning trainer's son and assistant, Richard Hannon jnr, said : "He relaxed a lot more than usual and was able to finish his race.
"He's won well and is a very good horse, he didn't hang left today and has run straight to the finish.
"We probably have three of the best milers (Canford Cliffs, Paco Boy and Dick Turpin) in the country and people keep saying they are all best at seven furlongs.
"He (Canford Cliffs) did a piece of work last week that was his best since he won the Coventry and Hughesie was able to sit on him like he was a jet-ski.
"His homework was as good as it was before Ascot and he has run like it today.
"He'll go to the St James's Palace and deserves to take his chance.
"Dick Turpin will go for that race too and they are owned by different people so it's not a problem them taking each other on.
"He came to win the race at Newmarket and I was disappointed he didn't, but I was delighted with the run.
"He's possibly the best we've ever had and has shown it today."
Bolger said of the runner-up: "I thought he'd be in the first three beforehand and Ascot could be on the agenda."
Kevin Manning, rider of Free Judgement, added: "I always thought a faster run race would suit him and it has.
"He hasn't surprised me. I said to Jim when he won the Tetrach that better ground and a faster pace would be better for him.
"He'll stay to a mile now I'd have thought, I just think that on the day a very smart horse beat him."
O'Brien said of the third: "Viscount Nelson has run a stormer and we'll look at the French Derby with him, that looks a race that might suit him well.
"Steinbeck has run a lovely race after a long time off. He's come home well and you have to remember it is his first run back in a Classic.
"He travelled a little bit fresh with Johnny but when he relaxed he came home very well and we'll look forward to him next time.
"We'll look at the St James's Palace now."