The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Tartan Bearer caused a surprise by beating Epsom Derby favourite Twice Over in the Dante Stakes at York.
Tartan Bearer fought it out to the line with Aidan O'Brien's Frozen Fire with Twice Over well beaten in third.
Mccartney and Centennial set the pace early on but it was wide open as the field reached the last two furlongs.
But it was 10-1 shot Tartan Bearer, ridden by Ryan Moore, who finished the stronger to claim victory.
Twice Over's trainer Henry Cecil said afterwards that the horse was now a doubt for next month's Classic at Epsom.
When the tempo quickened in the straight Twice Over moved on the outside under Ted Durcan into a challenging position.
But Frozen Fire and the winner were looking the most dangerous and they pulled just ahead of Twice Over with Tartan Bearer winning by a head.
"The boss had him spot-on," said Moore afterwards.
"When he got to the front he just idled, but he really knuckled down in the last furlong and stuck his neck out when the O'Brien horse came to him - he's a very honest horse.
"I can't see why he wouldn't (act round Epsom), but it's early days. He'll stay I think."
Dante Stakes (York)
1. Tartan Bearer (R L Moore) 10-1
2. Frozen Fire (J Murtagh) 14-1
3. Twice Over (T E Durcan) 4-6 Fav
6 ran. Dist: hd, 2½
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