Aidan O'Brien's Rossini proved the star of the show by outclassing his rivals in the Group Two Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte on Saturday.

Rossini (Michael Kinane) broke fast on the outside to dispute the lead with Auenklang and Lord Pacal, before being asked for his effort 300 yards out.

The hotpot responded generously by pulling five lengths clear of Auenklang, with the O'Brien second string, Finnan, only inches away in third.

O'Brien said: "Rossini ran very well. He could go for a group one in Ireland, but since I have so many nice types at home, he could return to France for the Prix Morny."

The Irish trainer was equally taken with the run of Finnan. "He ran very well and it was nice to see him get some black type to his name, `' he added.