Kalanisi gained a well-deserved Group One victory over the odds-on Montjeu in the Dubai Champion Stakes at Newmarket.
Sir Michael Stoute`s tough four-year-old had been beaten in photo finishes for the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International Stakes but his luck changed in today`s #400,000 10-furlong contest.
Johnny Murtagh had the 5-1 chance in touch with the leaders as Montjeu`s pacemaker Lermontov set a good gallop.
Michael Kinane had Montjeu settled in the rear as Lermontov weakened with Shiva and Love Divine taking over three furlongs out.
Love Divine set sail for home but Murtagh had the move covered and sent Kalanisi to the front approaching the final furlong.
Montjeu, who was sent off at 10-11 after a massive on-course gamble, got a dream run up the stands` rail and moved up to challenge inside the distance but Kalanisi would not be denied and held on by half a length.
Last year`s Dewhurst Stakes winner Distant Music (20-1) ran a fine race to claim third place two and a half lengths away. Love Divine finished fourth.
'He came at me but the lads told me he`d dig deep when asked,' said Murtagh. 'That`s what got him there - courage.'
Stoute added: 'He`s thoroughly admirable to do that after two very tough battles in the Eclipse and Juddmonte but he`s got his turn.
'There was a slight worry when Montjeu came at him but I knew our horse was in great form.'
Kalanisi could now be set to go on his travels and the Newmarket trainer added: 'We might have one final fling with him. He`s only had five races this time. The Japan Cup is a possibility. I`ll have to talk to Johnny but I think he`ll get a mile and a half.'
Montjeu`s trainer John Hammond was not too despondent.
He said: 'He`s won some good races and had some good days. Sadly he got beaten today but it happens. He`s just past his best.'
