The leading all-time jockey at the Breeders Cup hailed ruthless Classic hero Flightline as the "best I've ever seen."
Mike Smith, who finished third behind the world's best thoroughbred on Taiba, was hugely impressed by the unbeaten colt. Off a strong pace set by Life Is Good, Flightline quickened ahead entering the straight and strode majestically away for Flavien Prat.
The John Sadler-trained 2-5 favourite did not come off the bridle recording the eight and a quarter length winning margin. Life Is Good's effort to match the market leader took its toll in the closing stages, as Olympiad (40-1) raced through for the runner-up spot.
Taiba was close-up in third – but the race revolved around one horse. Smith, who has 27 wins at the top class fixture to his name over the years, has ridden many high class racers, including 2018 Triple Crown hero Justify.
Putting Flightline top of the list, due to the manner of his win off a fast gallop, the sportsman highlighted the star's "different engine" and qualities akin to the legendary Secretariat. "He's the best horse I think I've ever seen," added Smith about Flightline.
"As far as what I've seen personally and ridden against. They're not meant to finish like he did.
"I take my hat off to him. He just breathes different air, he seems to keep running."
Sadler compared his horse to Frankel, who retired unbeaten in 14 races ten years ago. Flightline's rating was just 1lb shy of the British great coming into the Grade 1, as he put in yet another devastating display.
Sadler had endured sleepless nights in the build-up to the pinnacle event, sponsored by Longines and worth $6 million.
He said: "He's just a remarkable racehorse, very rare. You see theses racehorses every 20-25 years."
Flightline matched Prat's pre-race expectations for owners Hronis Racing, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, Siena Farm and Woodford Racing.
"He'd shown so much talent we were expecting a great performance from him. I wanted to get myself in the clear and he relaxed really well down the back," the rider reported.
"No, once I broke well and knew where I wanted to be, I was in control."
A track official confirmed that Epicenter, pulled up on the backstretch, was transported back to the stables in a protective splint to have an injury assessed.
