Breeders' Cup star Wuheida has penalty to defy in Dahlia Stakes return

2.20 Newmarket
Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes | 1m1f | Group 2 | fillies and mares | ITV/RUK

There is absolutely no doubt about the identity of the star performer in the Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes. The big question, however, is can Wuheida concede a Group 1 penalty on her seasonal reappearance?

The Godolphin four-year-old had already shown herself to be a top performer before heading to Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup, yet it is in California that she achieved what is so far her career-defining performance and one that means she must concede an additional 5lb burden now.

The 2016 Prix Marcel Boussac winner earned minor money in four Group 1 races from last July to October, including when second in the Falmouth Stakes on her three-year-old comeback.

She then ended up swimming in dollars when carrying William Buick and first-time cheekpieces to Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf glory over the 1m1f trip she faces again here.

Red-hot trainer Charlie Appleby supplemented Wuheida at a cost of £6,000 on Monday and believes that will prove worthwhile.

"Wuheida travelled back from Dubai earlier this week, having wintered very well out there," said Appleby.

"She is in great nick. It will be her first start of the year and she will come on for it, but I have been very happy with her preparation.

Breeders' Cup breakthrough for Buick on Godolphin's Wuheida

"She is heavier than her racing weight but she's done well from three to four. Whatever she does it is a starting point for her summer campaign. She looks fantastic and I think class will tell."

Appleby added: "She has an array of options this season – whether we stay in Europe or go back to America for the summer – and we will see where we are with her on Sunday before deciding her campaign."

Will it be three wins in five years for France?

France has been responsible for two of the last four Dahlia winners. Andre Fabre was victorious on both occasions but this time the challenge comes from Henri-Francois Devin, who saddles Group 3 winner Golden Legend.

The mount of Alexis Badel – who will be riding at Newmarket for the first time – lacks the obvious profile of Fabre's winners Usherette and Esoterique but Devin is confident horse and rider will be effective on the track.

Devin said: "She should handle the demands of the Rowley Mile well. She goes on any ground, has already won over a straight nine furlongs at Maisons-Laffitte and is a very well-balanced filly, so the Dip should not be a problem for her.

"Although Alexis hasn’t ridden at Newmarket before, I have no concerns on that score as he has plenty of international experience and Golden Legend is a very straightforward filly who can be ridden anywhere."

Click here to view Golden Legend's form

Devin added: "Having runners on days like this is the reason why we train. I have been dreaming of winning the Dahlia but now that Wuheida has been entered maybe I will have to settle for a place."

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Billesdon Bess
Wuheida is going to take a lot of beating. Billesdon Bess is in good form and gets on well with Hollie Doyle. She will run well.

Tisbtadream enjoyed an excellent 2017Credit: Alan Crowhurst

David Elsworth, trainer of Tisbutadream
Whatever she does will blow away the cobwebs but she is pretty fit and certainly not going there half-cocked. She improved throughout last season and has been in good form going into this race.

Martyn Meade, trainer of Wilamina
I'm not going there with enormous expectation but with fingers crossed. She is in good spirits and she does go well fresh. We had been thinking of the Listed race at Goodwood on Saturday but she has already won a Listed race, so we thought we would try the Dahlia. It would be absolutely fantastic if she could manage a place but this is a tough ask.

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