War Artist was all class under the urgings of Olivier Peslier as he galloped home to his second win on European soil in the last few weeks when he won theGroup 3 Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert.

Two weeks ago, the James Eustace-trained jetsetter got off the mark for the season the Group 2 Goldene Peitsche at Baden-Baden and he followed up with a decisive late charge at Longchamp.

Benbaun, winner of the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye over course and distance two years ago, disappointed in fourth, having faded rapidly in the closing stages.

The Pascal Bary-trained Stern Opinion looked to have the race at his mercy when Stephan Pasquier kicked clear in the closing stages but the four-year-old could not hold off the fast-finishing War Artist, who was dropping down to the minimum trip for the first time in two and a half years.

A return to the track is now on the cards for the winner with the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye on Arc day the next target.

Connections were impressed with Peslier's ride as he dropped the winner in behind Benbaun, who broke well, and Stern Opinion before the pace quickened at the two furlong pole, and grabbed the lead in the dying strides.

Eustace said: "He showed so much speed in last year's July Cup that five furlongs was always an option. He proved in England that he doesn't get six furlongs on soft ground but we were lucky it came up fast at Baden-Baden [last time].

"We'll come back for the Abbaye. We used this a trial and it was a fair performance giving Benbaun weight.

"I hope Olivier Peslier will ride him in the Abbaye as we like to use the best available in whatever country we're in." SAHracing.COM and Racing Post