Maximized lived up to top billing for Godolphin with a smooth success in the Betfred British EBF Woodcote Stakes at Epsom.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Mehmas colt cost £720,000 at the spring breeze-up sales but he briefly looked to have a battle on his hands when the 9,000 guineas purchase Havana Hurricane loomed up on his outside.

William Buick gathered his mount, though, and the 6-5 favourite eventually pulled nicely clear to win by a length and a half.

Coral cut him to 12-1 from 16s for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Appleby said: “When he won at Haydock he jumped and skipped very sweetly on the sounder surface and it’s good to soft out there today. It will be interesting to see what Will has got to say, but he might have found that a little bit more testing today I would i

See Full Page