Dar set for Deauville
Deauville beckons for Dar Re Mi after she got back in the winning groove in the Plantation Stud Stakes at Newmarket.
The well-bred daughter of Singspiel was a slightly unfortunate third in a French Group Two three weeks ago but made no mistake in this drop down to Listed class.
Jockey Richard Mullen had his mount in touch as Folk Opera tried to make every yard in the 12-furlong contest.
The 5-2 joint favourite was pulled out towards the middle of the track in the closing stages and finally wore down her leading market rival inside the final 100 yards.
Dar Re Mi, who will once again venture across the Channel for her next outing, scored by three-quarters of a length with a further head back to the game Icon Project.
Winning trainer John Gosden said: "It was very pleasing to see her win because she had a rough ride at York in the Musidora and was then a bit unlucky in France last time.
"She got stuck in fifth from an outside draw off a slow pace and still nearly got there, so she really deserved this stakes win.
"It is very important for her to be a black-type winner as she is well bred.
"We will stay at a mile and a half and look at two races at Deauville, the Group Two Prix de Pomone on August 10 or the Prix Minerve on August 14."
Gosden, who also sent out two winners on the July Course on Friday evening, also won the opener at Newbury with Doctor Crane.
He had initiated his Newmarket brace with Lake Windermere landing the odds in the second division of the seven-furlong Lettergold Maiden Stakes.
Lake Windermere, a 1-2 shot, built on her debut third at Newcastle three weeks ago with a two-and-a-quarter-length success from Spotty Muldoon.
Gosden said: "That was nice performance on ground that was fast enough for her. We will stay at seven furlongs with her and see what the handicapper does."
The opening division went to Liberation Spirit, who had previously finished second on two occasions over a mile.
The Saeed Suhail-owned colt ensured favourite backers made a positive start to the day with a 5-4 triumph in the hands of Shane Kelly.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Suhail, said: "He has won at last! He wants this fast-ish ground and we will keep him to seven furlongs as he has got plenty of speed."
The Mark Johnston-trained Always A Rock never saw a rival in completing a three-timer with victory by a neck in the Adnams East Green Handicap.
Jockey Jean-Pierre Guillambert and his mount received a rousing reception after the 6-1 win with many members of the Always Trying Partnership IV present.
Deirdre Johnston, wife of the trainer, said: "He has just taken a wee bit of time to come to himself but he was very game there and stayed every inch of the mile."
