Musical Times rocketed to the head of the 1,000 Guineas market after a dazzling display at Doncaster. The Godolphin-owned filly, not seen on the track for 70 days, held an unbeaten record going into the Betfred May Hill Stakes.
She added to a brace of victories in novice events in style, pressing on under Will Buick to pass the post with seven and a half lengths in hand.
Odds slashed after dominant display
Paddy Power initially cut Musical Times to 12-1 (from 25-1) for next year's Classic at Newmarket, but that did not last long and she is now the 6-1 favourite with most firms.
Scommessa Sicura, a neck behind the winner on her debut, was second, while Speckles finished third. It was the first time Musical Times, who is from a fine middle distance family, had covered a mile on the racecourse.
Trainer's reaction
"She should stay on pedigree but everything at home has been very zippy and we saw that through the race today," said trainer Charlie Appleby.
"There was a nice pace on, she travelled into it, travelled up to leaders well and most importantly she accelerated, which is what you always like to see.
"We'll head to the Fillies' Mile, which was always our pencil plan since Yarmouth really. I don't see why she shouldn't be a Guineas filly. We won this a couple of years ago with Desert Flower, who went on to win the Guineas."
Park Hill Stakes success
Earlier, headgear worked a treat for the Owen Burrows-saddled Waardah in the Betfred Park Hill Stakes.
"I'm pleased the hood was on because she jumped a little bit too well," he said, with Group One races in the pipeline. "She's had a quiet year because the ground hasn't been in her favour at all and I can imagine she'll be heading to the breeding shed after (this season)."
