LETHAL FORCE's all-the-way blitz in the July Cup on Saturday was enough to establish the grey as Europe's leading sprinter in 2013 but his performance merely matched the best recent runs in the 6f Group 1 rather than elevating him to a different league, reports the Racing Post UK.

In the aftermath of his record-breaking length-and-a-half victory over Society Rock at Newmarket, Lethal Force had been proclaimed in places as the best domestic sprinter seen in many years as he bagged his second Group 1 following a similar performance in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

While Lethal Force's July Cup run was rated highly by Racing Post handicapper Paul Curtis, his rating of 124 was no better than those logged by Dream Ahead (2011), Starspangledbanner(2010), Sakhee's Secret (2007) and Pastoral Pursuits (2005) and 4lb below Black Caviar's world leading 2013 mark of 128.

Curtis said: "Lethal Force showed himself to be the leading European sprinter with his success in the July Cup, and while a Racing Post Rating of 124 does not elevate him to star sprinter status it does at least back up his Diamond Jubilee performance.

"We have not been accustomed to such consistency among the leading domestic sprinters in recent years and it is notable that Lethal Force has managed to put back-to-back Group 1 victories together."

He added: "Society Rock had not excelled at Newmarket in the past - Saturday's run rates a length off his best RPR of 122 - and it is possible that he will get closer to the winner on a more suitable track, but with the record now 2-1 in Lethal Force's favour from their three meetings this year, the emerging horse has to now rate his superior."