HAWK Wing became one of the few horses to win a group one race by a double-figure margin when landing the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes by 11 lengths at Newbury on Saturday.
In a magnificent front-running display for trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Mick Kinane, last year's Epsom Derby runner-up set a standard which the rest of the top milers will find difficult to match.
Hawk Wing demolished Where Or When after being the subject of a hefty on-course gamble which resulted in him starting a 2-1 favourite.
So spectacular was Hawk Wing as he powered up the middle of the course that many of the shrewdest judges were comparing him with the best milers of the post-war era, including the mighty Brigadier Gerard.
O'Brien was understandably delighted with his four-year-old. He said: "He just has an unbelievable amount of natural ability and to watch him he always quickens your heart.
"This is the sort of horse who can live up to the highest expectations."
Kinane was equally impressed by the display and commented: "Quite a few people have said unkind things about Hawk Wing but he did the talking today and has put an end to all that.
"I've not won a group one race quite like that before."
The justified applause for the performance was led by Willie Carson, the former champion jockey and rider of Nashwan. He said: "That was one of the best mile performances I've seen in my life and he has dismantled some big reputations.
"If he reproduces that form once more, we'll be saying he's the greatest miler we've ever seen."
Joe Mercer, the rider of Brigadier Gerard, said: "I've never seen a group one race won like that. He was so impressive and left his rivals struggling behind.
"It brings back memories of the Brigadier."
The disappointment of the contest, apart from Desert Deer's refusal to go into the stalls, was the flop of Breeder's Cup Mile winner Domedriver. The French challenger appeared unhappy at not having any cover and was one of the first beaten.
The Aston Park Stakes saw a fine comeback win by Gamut, who kept up the fine form of Sir Michael Stoute and Kieren Fallon as he stated his case for the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Aidan O'Brien launched another possible for the Royal meeting when his two-year-old Grand Reward quickened up smartly to master Farewell Gift in a six-furlong maiden.
Paul Cole's stable received a timely boost when Zietory landed some good bets in the fillies' handicap and she is another with Royal Ascot on the agenda.
Fallon opened the two-day meeting with wins on Romany Nights, a 4-1 joint favourite in the showcase handicap over the straight six-furlong course, and Urowells in Friday's concluding race, a maiden over 10 furlongs.
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