Bucanero Fuerte ran away with the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes for Kevin Stott and Adrian Murray.
Carrying the Amo Racing silks, the Railway Stakes winner was facing a rematch with Unquestionable who he beat a short-head on that occasion.
However having been upset in the stalls, Ryan Moore’s mount never seemed happy and was beating a retreat inside the final furlong.
In contrast the winner was engaging top gear and thundered to the line to beat Porta Fortuna by four lengths.
Paddy Power and Betfair cut Bucanero Fuerte to 12/1 from 16s for next season’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas. Sky Bet were more impressed and go 8/1.
Murray said: “He was very impressive. We had him here 10 days ago doing a piece of work and Robson (Aguiar) got off him and said to me ‘this is the best horse I’ve ever ridden’. He was certainly correct in that one.
“He’s a serious horse. That’s three runs and three wins here, he’s the horse of a lifetime. I’d say it’ll be the National Stakes now and I don’t think he’ll have any problem stepping up to seven (furlongs). He would prefer an ease in the ground, but he has won on good ground. The ground today would be a bit easier than the last day. He was very impressive in his maiden here on heavy ground, but it’s not an issue for him as he’s won on quick ground as well.
“It’s unbelievable and it’s hard to explain it. Robson is a master at picking horses at the sales.”
Stott added: "I'm delighted for the whole team. The horse was in great form, it didn't really go to plan as the lead horse didn't really jump off as we planned and I had to ride my own race but he's very uncomplicated.
"I let him stretch from two-and-a-half out and was quite surprised nothing was coming to challenge me a furlong out. It was all about keeping momentum. We always thought he was nice from the first day he won here. He was a big baby back then and has only grown and strengthened and Adrian and Robson have gone a great job with him."
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