'He's an exciting horse' - 2.1 million guineas buy Hafit makes winning debut

Godolphin's 2.1 million guineas yearling purchase Hafit went a small way to paying back his large fee when battling to a hard-fought debut victory in the 7f maiden at Newmarket on Friday evening.

The two-year-old son of Dubawi had plenty of backers on his first public outing and was shortened into the 10-11 favourite pre-race.

Hafit responded well when asked by William Buick having been outpaced by Razzle Dazzle and Millennial Moon two furlongs out and eventually overhauled the leaders for a half length victory.

Winning trainer Charlie Appleby was pleased with the performance and is now eyeing the Group 3 Autumn Stakes as a potential future target.

Watch: race result and replay of Hafit's debut win

He said: "I'm delighted with that. There is always a bit more pressure with these high-priced horses on their first appearance but he has pleased us at home and is very much a horse for the future.

"He'll go straight up to a mile now, this was always going to be his first and only effort at seven furlongs. The Autumn Stakes will be something on the radar but with his pedigree and on what he's achieved today he's an exciting horse for the future."

The juvenile is out of the Grade 3-placed Galileo mare Cushion, in turn out of the dual Classic winner Attraction, and was bred in partnership by Floors Farming and Coolmore, but it was Godolphin who pounced in the sales ring last October.

Read a selection of Saturday previews . . .

12.50 Ascot: Shergar Cup queen Hayley Turner aims to set winning Tone with familiar partner

2.50 Newmarket: 'She's probably the one to beat' - which filly is fancied for the Sweet Solera?

3.10 Ascot: 'He's the pick of my rides' - leading lady Turner targeting more Shergar success

3.45 Ascot: Cairn Gorm primed to run big race in Shergar Cup finale says Channon

4.10 Haydock: The real deal? Rose Of Lancaster test for exciting Godolphin colt Real World

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