Johann Strauss seen here in 2nd place© Photo Healy Racing
Godolphin's great start to the season continued as Sudden Wonder edged out Observational in Newmarket's £200,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Trophy.
Trainer Charlie Appleby won two similar contests last season with Wedding Ring, and Sudden Wonder brought some smart maiden form to the table having raced against fellow Godolphin inmates Outstrip and Pinzolo.
Racing on the far side, Sudden Wonder took up the running entering the dip but Observational soon joined him and the pair enjoyed a ding-dong battle in the final furlong, with Mickael Barzalona's mount prevailing by a head.
Roger Charlton will be thrilled with Observational, having just his second start, while similar comments will apply to William Haggas and the third home, Seagull Star. However, the favourite, Aidan O'Brien's Johann Strauss, was well beaten and remains a maiden despite finishing second in the Racing Post Trophy.
The race was delayed by around 10 minutes after Richard Hannon's Shafrah escaped from under the stalls and completed the whole course with his saddle under his belly.
Appleby said: "I thought he came into this season with a nice two-year-old profile and I ran him in this race rather than a Listed race because I wanted him to experience a bit of hustle and bustle and learn a bit more.
"He's a big, raw horse. There are really no goals, he is entered in the Dante, that might be aiming a bit high but we'll take a look at some of the trials and see how he comes out of the race."
That completed a double for Godolphin after Farhh's full-brother Basem showed plenty of the family talent in the Swan At Lavenham Wood Ditton Stakes. After taking last season's Champion Stakes, Godolphin's Farhh was retired to stud and the younger Pivotal colt has already been given an entry for the Investec Derby.
Work was required to catch Made With Love and Moonvoy, but the 5-2 favourite had a stellar finish saved up and scored more easily under Silvestre De Sousa than the half-length margin would imply.
"I always liked him and there was nothing wrong with him last year, he was just a bit weak. I'm sure he'll improve for this race. A mile and a quarter is a good distance for him and we'll find a conditions race. After his second race, we'll know more," said trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
Hannon's juvenile Spirit Of Xian got up in a tight finish to the Montaz Restaurant EBF Stallions Maiden Fillies' Stakes. There were plenty in with a shout in the five-furlong event, but Pat Dobbs managed to point the daughter of Kodiac down the stands rail and only needed one shake of the stick to beat Al Ghuwariyah and El Che by a short-head and a head.
"She's a filly with a bit of class and will go six furlongs now. Don't ask me if she's (Royal) Ascot class, but she's more than just a maiden winner," said Hannon.
