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White-hot Charlie Appleby on the mark with classy filly

Breeders’ Cup heroine Wuheida made a triumphant return to action in the Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket.

Making her first appearance since landing the Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar last November, Charlie Appleby’s filly was the 10-11 favourite for this Group Two and odds-on backers will have had few concerns for the duration of the nine-furlong contest.

Tisbutadream cut out much of the running, but began to back-pedal racing inside the final three furlongs and Wuheida soon pulled away for a four-length success under William Buick. Wilamina was a clear second.

Appleby said: “Her work has been great. She looked great and everyone was very happy with her.

“The only concern was that she was a bit short of work. She’s entitled to come forward a good bit (for that run).”

Appleby added: “It always helps when you’ve got good horses like her as you can pretty much set the clock by them.

“I said to William to be careful as we didn’t want to get caught out fitness-wise as she’s still got to come forward a bit.

“I’ll speak to Sheikh Mohammed about whether we go to America or stay in Europe.

“We had thought about going to Saratoga or Deauville in August. These are things to think about, not worry about.”