3.35 JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL

POET’S WORD possesses the speed for a mile and a quarter, the stamina to win over further and the attitude to join the impressive roll-call of past winners of this event.

Brilliantly nurtured, the five-year- old overcame an uncompromising track position to overhaul his talented stablemate Crystal Ocean in the King George last time, producing a terrific turn of foot from the home bend to reel in a horse which had poached a vital advantage.

That victory required ability and tenacity and, with a raft of useful three-year-olds in opposition today, more of the same will be required to complete a hat- trick of Group One successes this season.

Poet’s Word has rarely disappointed his fans, though, with consistency proving his watchword in a 16-race career and he boasts all the attributes to follow in the hoofprints of last year’s winner Ulysses.

eclipse winner roaring Lion and runner-up Saxon Warrior will demand Poet’s Word is at his best, however, and the former could be especially dangerous.