THE opening day started in the perfect manner for favourite backers when William Haggas’ Alfarris took the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap at a surprisingly generous 13/2.

A very good second at Sandown last time and from a stable in fine form all season, Alfarris was squeezed out at the start and had plenty to do at halfway as Plutonian led from his wide draw with the prolific Rainbow Rebel close up.

Plutonian ran on with great determination but Alfarris, pulled to the outside, made rapid late headway to head him at the furlong pole before keeping on well to score by half a length with his own stable-companion Original Choice a good third.

Haggas said. “He’s grown up after an operation last year and will probably go to York next but I want to put him up in grade at some point because I think he’s pretty smart.”

Richard Hannon landed a one-two in the Nginious! Swiss Gin Maiden but it was the Toronado newcomer Watan and Ryan Moore who swooped to win quite comfortably from stable-companion Dirty Rascal, previously disqualified at Ascot.

Moore thought Watan, owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, would stay seven furlongs in time.

There was quite a celebration afterwards because Al Shaqab also owned Sussex Stakes winner Toronado and Watan was bred at Sheikh Joaan’s Haras de Bouquetot Stud.

The very intricate Chelsea Barracks Handicap over five furlongs produced a surprise in the shape of Ron Harris’ 16/1 shot Under The Covers and P. J. McDonald, who skipped clear of the wandering El Astronaute in the final furlong.

There was no surprise in the last, the one-mile Matchbook Fillies’ Handicap as the unstoppable Haggas sent out 9/2 favourite Move Swiftly to come from last to first in the hands of jockey of the moment James Doyle.