Roaring Lion stormed to victory over favourite Poet's Word in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
John Gosden's grey impressively landed the Dante Stakes on the Knavesmire earlier in the season and although a non-stayer in the Investec Derby, he had shown just how classy he is when beating older horses in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown last time out.
It was more of the same for the three-year-old and red-hot jockey Oisin Murphy back at York, with 3/1 shot Roaring Lion bursting into the lead a furlong and a half from the finish as Poet's Word was briefly denied a clear run.
Sir Michael Stoute's charge - the 8/5 favourite - finished well but couldn't lay a glove on a devastating Roaring Lion in the closing stages, the Prince of Wales's Stakes and King George hero having to settle for a three and a quarter-length second under James Doyle.
Gosden said: "He's run a lovely race. They went an honest pace. You'd got Dubai World Cup winners in there, Poet's Word came at him and ran a blinder. There were no hiding places out there.
"We were delighted with him - I was expecting a big performance from him.
"This horse ran a great race in the Derby. He won his Eclipse well and he's got better through the season. He's got bigger and stronger. He had a difficult spring, but he's done nothing but improve since."
He went on: "He's a mile-and-a-quarter horse through and through and I'd have been very disappointed if he hadn't run like that today. He won't be going for the Arc. The Irish Champion is an obvious possibility, as is Ascot (Champion Stakes).
"I would run him on good to soft ground, but I wouldn't want to run him on soft - that is the only proviso I have. He has a beautiful action.
"A good mile-and-a-quarter horse gets a mile and a half in America, but the Breeders' Cup Turf is a long way off. I think you should savour a race like this, see how the horse is in the next 10 days and then make plans.
"I'll be disappointed if he's retired at the end of the season. He's just getting good."
Sir Michael Stoute took the defeat of Poet's Word on the chin.
He said: "James (Doyle) said it was very messy and he had to switch direction. We thought we were in a good position turning in and then we were in the worst position.
"He was very brave to then get balanced and come back and get second so I could only be pleased with him. The winner had gone when we were reorganising."
Asked about plans, the Freemason Lodge trainer said: "The Irish Champion Stakes wouldn't be a possibility and I don't know where we'll go, why should I know now, it's too early.
"We'll just see how we think he is, have a chat with the owner. He's in everything he could be in.
"I think he's equally effective over 10 furlongs and a mile and a half."
Menuisier was rightly proud of his gallant grey Thundering Blue.
He said: "I'm extremely pleased. When we looked at the final declarations, we all had a good laugh, but the horse told us he was super well.
"I'm so proud of him. The way he came home, against that calibre of opposition, I'd like to think he can win a Group One.
"The Canadian International has always been on our minds and I'd love to be invited to the Japan Cup.
"Fran (Berry) rode a lot out there and thinks it would suit him really well. We also think he'll improve for a mile and a half."