Which performance got our experts most excited across the weekend?

'He showed real guts'

Zavateri's win in the National Stakes was a real highlight at the Curragh on Sunday.

Not only did he show he was undoubtedly top class, he displayed real guts and determination to hold off Gstaad in a tight finish. They are two seriously classy horses, and Zavateri can lay claims to being the best juvenile seen this season.

He now looks ready for a step up in trip and I would already have him down as the one they all have to beat in next year's 2,000 Guineas.
Matt Rennie

'A star in the making'

Delacroix's scintillating performance in the Irish Champion Stakes and that exceptionally well-timed burst of speed under Christophe Soumillon stole the show at Leopardstown on Saturday.

However, it was a winner on the undercard that really whet my appetite, particularly given Delacroix's racing career looks to be coming to its conclusion.

Benvenuto Cellini had only three rivals to beat but could hardly have been more impressive under Soumillon and looks a star in the making. 

Australia and Auguste Rodin won the Champions Juvenile Stakes before taking the Derby the next year and, while Epsom quotes of 8-1 are laughable, particularly when the French Derby has already been mentioned, I wouldn't want to be on anyone else if he rocks up in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster next month.
Matt Butler

Benvenuto Cellini: most impressive at Leopardstown on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann

'Japan's hopes in the Arc are very much alive'

Benvenuto Cellini is quite clearly the one to take for the future and already looks like a leading Classic candidate for next season, but I am going to put up Croix Du Nord, who just held on to defeat Daryz in the Prix du Prince d'Orange at Longchamp. 

The Japanese Arc contender has won a Group 3 by a short head, so plenty will be happy to knock the form, but there are a lot of positives to take, primarily his ability to handle the track and testing ground.

There was talk about him not being quite right in the build-up, so there could be a lot more improvement to come before his big day next month. This was a cracking trial and Japan's dream of a first Arc triumph is very much alive.
James Stevens

Read more here

Aidan O'Brien blown away by Delacroix in Irish Champion Stakes - but reveals star colt may have run his last race 

Tom Marquand 'blessed' to ride St Leger hero Scandinavia as O'Brien supersub revels in deafening Doncaster atmosphere 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.