Two-nil Barzalona as Laajooj takes Fairway

Report: Newmarket, Saturday

Novae Bloodstock Insurance Fairway Stakes (Listed) 3yo, 1m2f

LAAJOOJ ran out the winner of a bizarre running of the Fairway Stakes in which he was the solitary finisher on the far-side rail, where he coasted to victory under quick-fire-double jockey Mickael Barzalona.

The other five horses all finished on the stands' side rail, although Buthelezi completed most of the opening mile in company with Laajooj before dramatically swapping sides.

It appeared Buthelezi's jockey William Buick had less to say about changing lanes than his mount, and although he joined the flagging stands' side group as leader of the five, he was well beaten into second by 11-1 shot Laajooj.

There was further disappointment in the running of favourite Naqshabban, who was tapped for toe about halfway and was pushed along by Kieren Fallon into a share of the stands' side lead. By the time the wayward Buthelezi joined company, however, the favourite was well beaten.

Barzalona, riding Laajooj for Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, had notched his first win of the day half an hour earlier on Al Zarooni's Maywood.

The double took his record in Britain to an impressive seven wins from 15 rides.

Al Zarooni said: "The jockey likes him and says he can go further. He'll go up to Group class now and we'll be looking at Royal Ascot."