Nayef finally came good at the highest level when running on strongly to land the Group One Dubai Champion Stakes at Newmarket today under a fine ride by Richard Hills.
The Marcus Tregoning-trained colt went into winter quarters last year as favourite for the Sagitta 2000 Guineas and Vodafone Derby after two impressive wins as a juvenile.
However, Nayef failed to live up to expectations this spring and was given an early summer break.
The half-brother to dual Classic winner Nashwan has returned better than ever and after rattling off three successive wins in Group Three contests he comfortably took today's step up in grade in the Stg£400,000 feature in his long stride.
Hills described the scintillating performance of Nayef as "fantastic" and added: "He was always travelling well."
Aidan O'Brien showed his domination of the juvenile scene is not confined to Ireland when saddling the first three home in the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes.
O'Brien was responsible four of the eight runners and it was 4-6 favourite Rock Of Gibraltar who prevailed in a thrilling three-way photo with Landseer (13-2) and Tendulkar (8-1).
Kingsclere trainer Ian Balding landed a famous one-two in the Tote Cesarewitch when Distant Prospect came with a storming late run to pip his stable companion Palua in the shadow of the post.