IT was to prove a memorable weekend for John Gosden and the Newmarket trainer started on the right note when Roaring Lion, nicely backed down to 11/4, took the opening Group 2 Royal lodge Stakes on this splendid Newmarket card.

All the vibes here were for Aidan O’Brien’s Frankel colt Nelson, who went off at 5/6 favourite. However, after pressing the leader Mildenberger for much of the way, Nelson could not quite match strides with Roaring Lion over the final two furlongs and went down by a neck. Mildenberger kept on well for third.

With Frankie Dettori at Chantilly, Oisin Murphy came in for the ride on the winner and brought him from the back to challenge as they ran down into the Dip. He has ridden for several top establishments in recent weeks and clearly has a future at the highest level.

Nelson, successful in a Group 3 last time, should be given another chance. He arrived later at the track than ideal and O’Brien had little time to prepare him properly. On the other hand, this was his fifth outing yet he still looked a trifle green at times.

Roaring Lion, an American-bred by Kitten’s Joy, had won two novices races and this sharp step-up in grade presented no problems. He has an American turf pedigree and Gosden has already won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf twice.

“We need another 10 days to see if he runs again at all, but the possibilities are the Racing Post Trophy or the race in America. He likes top of the ground,” the trainer said.