WHEN he won the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket in July, Estidhkaar (29-pace adjusted 36) had to cope with a moderate early pace and was going better at the end of the race than at any other stage,

It was a similar story in the Champagne Stakes. The early pace was moderate and Estidhkaar trod water briefly when it picked up but was asserting in the final furlong and moving better.