A week shy of 12 months ago many were quick to write off Starcraft after his third to Savabeel in the Cox Plate. The horse was found to have pulled a muscle, an injury that would sideline him for the following Autumn as well. Many thought he was finished.

Fast forward 12 months and we now have him favoured to take Champion Mile honours in Europe after wins in the Prix Jacques Le Marois and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

A Breeders’ Cup Classic win awaits and while victory there may see him surpass Hurricane Run as favourite for Horse of the Year, even if he doesn’t secure that title, it isn’t bad for a horse written off as finished 12 months ago.