MUFFRI’HA, an autumn mare with a mind of her own, displayed familiar quirks before the opening Listed Muhaarar British EBF Rosemary Stakes but did nothing wrong in the race itself. Patiently nursed along by Pat Cosgrave on her first outing for nearly five months, the 5/1 chance came between fillies to lead before the furlong pole and hold Permission by a length with Tisbutadream a short-head behind in third.

Muffri’ha was fourth in this in 2015 and third last year. She went on to win twice in October and is clearly at her best at Newmarket, making a tilt at the Sun Chariot next week feasible. William Haggas produced her in outstanding condition yesterday. The going rate for the Sun Chariot was 10/1 following this latest victory, the sixth of her career.

APPHIA SURPRISE

There was a surprise in the Group 3 Princess Royal Nayef Stakes when Hugo Palmer’s 20/1 chance Apphia, given a fine, front-running ride by Josephine Gordon, made just about every yard over a mile and a half and held the frustrating Pleasant Surprise by half a length in a driving finish. To Eternity could finish only third after a menacing run up the centre.

Apphia was always going well on the far side before the two groups merged and would not give in when Pleasant Surprise moved alongside. Jamie Spencer’s mount did not show quite the same determination under pressure but should surely be capable of winning again before long.

This was Gordon’s second group success and her first on turf. She rode a very powerful finish and moved on to 87 winners for the calendar year.

“She didn’t like Chester very much and the cheekpieces didn’t work,” the jockey said. “But she loved every minute of it today. My own target now has to be 100 winners for the year.”

Sir Michael Stoute’s Mori ran poorly for the second time in a row and is best left alone for now.

CANDY’S COLT

Aidan O’Brien’s Galileo colt Coat Of Arms had been keeping group-class company and was made even-money favourite to open his account in the Derrinstown British EBF Maiden Stakes. However, he could finish only third in what may well have been an above-average renewal.

Victory went to Henry Candy’s 9/4 chance Thrave, who ran well to be second on the neighbouring July Course on his debut.

A son of Sir Percy, he was nearly two lengths too good for Owen Burrows’ newcomer Elwazir, suggesting that his Derby entry may not be too fanciful.

CLEAN SWEEP

Fittingly, Godolphin always looked to hold a strong hand in the Listed Mukhadram Godolphin Stakes over a mile and a half and the main question was whether the classy Frontiersman would respond to first-time blinkers after some disappointing efforts.

All was well as he justified 13/8 favouritism in the hands of James Doyle, beating Red Galileo and Best Of Days, both in the familiar royal blue colours, by half a length and three-quarters. As clean sweeps go, it was quite convincing!

A good day for William Haggas became even better when Addeybb ran on strongly for Ryan Moore to land the closing Shadwell Farm Handicap, officially termed the Silver Cambridgeshire.

Punters were on the mark with the 7/2 joint-favourite proving just too good for Afaak, with the other joint market leader Fire Brigade occupying the minor berth.