Muhaarar streaked clear in the inaugural running of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
Winner of the Gimcrack at York last season before making a winning reappearance in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, the Charlie Hills-trained colt was far from disgraced in finishing eighth from a wide draw in the French 2000 Guineas.
Back at six furlongs, Dane O'Neill's mount raced on the far side of runners and quickened clear in impressive fashion to claim the first staging of this Group One prize by an emphatic three and three-quarter lengths.
Limato battled his way to second place ahead of Anthem Alexander in third.
American challenger Hootenanny was the 9-4 favourite, but weakened rapidly from a furlong out and finished well beaten under Ryan Moore.
O'Neill said of the 10-1 winner: "It was all very easy, it was a bit surreal. He didn't half pick up.
"He's never done an awful lot wrong, he just didn't really stay in France.
"You can see now he looks a decent sprinter in the making.
"I had a look to my left and there weren't any real dangers so I decided to make my own move.
"To be on a nice horse like this in the first running of the race is great."
The trainer would not be averse to stepping back up in distance with a horse he believes could the best he has ever had.
Hills said: "It was a Group One and looked a proper race. Any of several could have won that race and he's done it in great style.
"He loves the fast ground but is not ground dependent. He's just a very nice horse.
"I suppose all we can do is to take on the older horses now.
"Trip-wise he's very versatile. The Prix de la Foret wouldn't be a problem, the Maurice de Gheest obviously, but he's an improving horse.
"He's a pleasure to train and is probably the best horse I've ever trained.
"He's got great speed and was always travelling really well."
Henry Candy was proud of the runner-up, who raced on the other side of the track from the winner.
"I thought he ran a wonderful race. I didn't see what happened at the start, but James Doyle said he was slow into stride, but after that he was as good as ever," said the trainer.
"If they weren't so far apart, it would have been quite a bit closer, but I'm delighted with him and it was a great run.
"I could not be more delighted for Dane (O'Neil)."
Anthem Alexander's trainer Eddie Lynam said: "She ran a very good race and the winner looked very good on the day, but we are proud of our filly.
"She's been second and third in two Group Ones, so we'll try and win one with her.
"Pat Smullen was very happy with the run. She's in plenty of things, the July Cup and the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh, and we may come back to five (furlongs) with her."
