Breeders' Cup winner Wuheida makes faultless return at Newmarket

They have recently started selling Godolphin merchandise in the Palace House shop on the Rowley Mile and there was more blue livery out on the track where Wuheida gave Sheikh Mohammed's operation a fifth winner of the two-day meeting in the Group 2 Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes.

Last year's Breeders Cup' Filly & Mare Turf heroine didn't feature among trainer Charlie Appleby's on-track workers at the Craven meeting, but she made this look like a racecourse gallop when streaking away from Wilamina to score by four lengths.

The four-year-old wasn't even entered for the 1m1f contest until the five-day stage but after a nice winter in Dubai was added to the field for £6,000.

That proved a wise call considering first prize was worth a shade less than £60,000. Settled in mid-division, jockey William Buick was happy to let the keen-going Tisbutadream cut out the early fractions before moving up Wuheida at the Bushes, and the race was over when she kicked in the turbo running down into the Dip.

"That was like a piece of work up the Limekilns for her, and that's a great starting point for the season," said Appleby.

"We weren't going to come here originally but these good horses bring themselves forward and she's done well for wintering in Dubai.

Click here to watch Wuheida's demolition job as she makes light work of the Dahlia Stakes

"As she was only 80 per cent fit, that stands her in good stead for a good year. We may stay close to home after that instead of taking her back to the US."

Buick said: "Wuheida is a pleasure to ride as she does everything so easily. I was never in any danger and I would say she's quick enough for a mile."

Breeders' Cup winner Wuheida could stay closer to home in the near futureCredit: Edward Whitaker

As for future targets, Appleby added: "There are races like the Queen Anne and Falmouth Stakes to think about."

Of the runner-up Wilamina, trainer Martyn Meade said: "We were hopeful of winning it last week when we saw the entries but didn't know Wuheida would be added in.

"However, to be Group 2-placed with the filly is fantastic and we're thrilled to bits."

Wuheida was cut by most bookmakers for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, and is between a 7-1 and 10-1 shot (from as big as 14-1).

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