Teofilo enhanced his sky-high reputation when once more lowering the colours of Holy Roman Emperor in an enthralling renewal of the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
A comfortable length and a quarter had separated the pair when they clashed in the National Stakes at the Curragh last month, and although Aidan O'Brien's charge closed the gap, he again had to settle for second best, this time by an agonising head.
But nothing should be taken away from the Ballydoyle colt, who had to weave a passage through the field and headed Teofilo inside the distance, only for the heavily-backed 11-8 favourite to fight back and poke his nose in front on the line.
The showdown between the Irish raiders was rightly given star billing and a high-class field of 15 - including six unbeaten colts - lined up for the Group One contest over a mile.
Teofilo, trained in County Carlow by Jim Bolger, had charged to the head of the betting for next year's Classics with his Curragh triumph, and came into the race with four consecutive victories to his name.
After being slowly away, Kevin Manning arrived on the scene approaching the final furlong and the colt powered to the lead, devouring the ground with every one of his gigantic strides.
But in behind Mick Kinane had conjured a late rally from Holy Roman Emperor, who had plundered the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in emphatic style since his reverse, and the 3-1 shot ranged upsides with half a furlong left to go.
Teofilo's old rival then gained the upper hand but the market leader was spurred on again and raised a loud cheer when regaining the initiative in the final moments.
Bookmakers were unanimous in their support of the two principals, with Ladbrokes, totesport and Coral offering 2-1 about Teofilo for the Stan James 2000 Guineas, with the sponsors going 5-2 and Cashmans 7-2.
The latter are a standout 6-1 about Holy Roman Emperor for the same race, while Coral are 7-2, Blue Square 4-1 and Ladbrokes just 3-1.
Ladbrokes also make Teofilo the 5-1 favourite for the Vodafone Derby, with Coral a point shorter on 4s.
"It is lovely to be here and win on Dewhurst day. He has run a blinder but I wasn't very happy with the last 50 yards!" said Bolger. "I was hoping that as they neared the line his stamina would come into play, but I hoped that it would come into play earlier, although he did it well.
"Isn't racing always about that sort of competitiveness?
"He is a very special horse and you won't see exactly what I am talking about until he tackles a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half next year.
"I thought for a few strides he was going to get beat. I could see my horse wasn't that happy in the going but once he got back up on the rising ground he quickened nicely.
"He's like a four-year-old in his mentality, he's been strutting around like that since he was a foal.
"We will see how he comes out of this but I would imagine that will be it for the year.
"Hopefully he will be back here next year for the Guineas. He must get stronger and he is improving all of the time.
"I would be amazed if he doesn't stay a mile and a half and he might even get a mile and six (the St Leger trip)."
The winner runs in the colours of Bolger's wife, Jackie, and that is likely to be the case next year.
"He hasn't left Coolcullen yet (because of offers) and he's not leaving, except to go to the races," Bolger said.
"He is 100-1 on to be carrying Jackie's colours next year - that's my opinion."
William Hill quote him at 14-1 to complete a Classic clean sweep with victory in the Guineas, Derby and Leger.
A thrilled Manning, who picked up a one-day ban (October 25) for excessive use of the whip, had an ominous warning for would-be conquerors.
"He doesn't do a great deal when he gets there - he's very idle - but when he's challenged he pulls out a bit more," he said.
"When he gets into a battle you can feel him lifting again. You never feel you're beaten on him.
"When Holy Roman Emperor joined him I thought he would pick up as the further they go the better he is.
"I don't think we'll see the best of him until next year."
O'Brien said: "He's run a great race but it was all a bit rough.
"Mick said it got rough at halfway but he still ran a cracker. They are two good horses and the winner looks very good.
"The ground today was borderline, the horse loves fast ground so this surface was a worry, but the boss (John Magnier) said to let him run.
"I hope we'll be here next year for the Guineas and that's it for the season."
Nothing had travelled better than Strategic Prince coming out of the Dip but the Vintage Stakes winner was ill at ease on the ground and he failed to show his customary speed when finishing two and a half lengths further back in third.
His trainer Paul Cole said: "He's come up against two exceptional horses, but he will be better on fast ground.
"He was the last off the bridle and normally he would pick up and go, but he struggled on that surface.
"We'll head for the Guineas next season, there isn't much else to aim for. He'll definitely stay further and Eddie Ahern thinks he'll get a mile and a half."
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