Lack of major star sees Group 1 races spread among huge numbers

In the end it was not to be. The midsummer deeds of Adayar, Snowfall and St Mark's Basilica suggested we may have been watching at least one outstanding member of the Classic crop, but those hopes were dashed.

Adayar and Snowfall fell away in the autumn, while St Mark's Basilica, whose spectacular Eclipse triumph promised so much, had his innings curtailed when he retired hurt in September.

Beyond the three-year-olds, no older horse warranted the description of 'outstanding'. Mishriff came closest with his six-length triumph in the International, yet he also wilted on autumnal ground at the death. Champions Day instead feted Baaeed, Creative Force, Eshaada and Sealiway, each of them three-year-olds who saved their best until last.