Authorized comprehensively reversed Coral-Eclipse form with Notnowcato when landing the spoils in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Peter Chapple-Hyam's Derby winner travelled beautifully for Frankie Dettori and found an impressive turn of foot when asked to put his seal on the race inside the final quarter-mile.
Returned the well-supported 6-4 favourite, Authorized held off the Aidan O'Brien Dylan Thomas (2-1), who would have liked a clearer run much earlier, by a length, with 7-2 shot Notnowcato a further three lengths behind the principals.
As expected, outsider Song Of Hiawatha took the seven-strong field along at a good clip through the early stages, while Duke Of Marmalade and Notnowcato took up prominent positions.
The latter took over shortly after entering the straight as all bar Song Of Hiawatha tacked across to the stands side. Ryan Moore asked Notnowcato to go for home with over two furlongs to run, but Dettori had the move covered as Authorized ranged up menacingly.
When he pushed the button, Chapple-Hyam's star found instant acceleration and grabbed a key advantage as Dylan Thomas came with his run.
Despite sticking to his task, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero never looked like overhauling the authoritative victor.
Frankie Dettori said afterwards: 'He's a great Derby winner. He's beaten a King George winner (Dylan Thomas) and an Eclipse winner (Notnowcato).
'I've never seen a horse in a big race travel so well. The further he was going, the further he was pulling. In the Derby in the first week of June he gave a great performance and he has put the record straight today. He is a true champion.
'I've had the flu for two weeks but nothing would keep me away from this.'
Aidan O'Brien said of Dylan Thomas: 'He ran a blinder but he's a fast ground horse and just couldn't quite pick up as well on that ground today.'
