ALPHA Centauri has been something of a ‘talking’ horse since her debut success last year as a juvenile. Not your typical two-year-old type, she was beaten three times after creating a huge impression on her first two runs, but her connections, and in particular her trainer Jessica Harrington, never lost faith. The manner of her three successive Group 1 victories this year has vindicated their belief, and she heads to tomorrow’s Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois a worthy favourite and the leader of her classic generation.

This is her toughest task to date and should she come through with flying colours she would be set for horse of the year honours. In a season when there are few worthy contenders for the accolade, she has – literally – stood head and shoulders above the rest.