Dubai: The 2018 Epsom Derby (G1) may be a long way off, but Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby could well have uncovered a potential contender in Ghaiyyath, following the juvenile’s eye-popping victory on the opening day of Newmarket’s historic Cambridgeshire meeting.

A son of prized Darley stallion Dubawi, Ghaiyyath appeared ahead of the game as he ticked all the right boxes en route to a five-length victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes over a mile.

With the in-form James Doyle in the saddle, Appleby’s precocious colt stayed out the trip strongly in what was only his second career start after his lukewarm debut at Doncaster two weeks ago.

British bookmakers Sky Bet took note of his obvious ability and introduced him at odds of 25/1 for the British Classic, which takes place on June 2, 2018.

Godolphin won the showpiece in 1995 with Lamtarra, but have yet to reprise the feat in their own royal blue racing silks.

Appleby said: “He was a bit keen and that is why we put the hood on him. We wanted him to do what he does in the morning and go out there and lead them a merry gallop.

“We knew he had come forward from Doncaster but we were very confident this horse had come on enough.

“We will potentially put him away for the year.”

Meanwhile, Mustashry can give race patron Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, a second victory in the Group 2 Joel Stakes, Friday’s feature race.

An impressive winner of the Strensall Stakes (G3) at York last month, his handler Sir Michael Stoute will be hoping that the four-year-old son of Derrinstown Stud stallion Tamayuz will continue his upward curve as he chases a hat-trick of wins.

Shaikh Hamdan’s racing manager Angus Gold said: “This has always looked the obvious race for him since his win at York, he’s had a nice break.

“I was very impressed with him there, I thought he was impressive in a decent race and he’s a horse Sir Michael has always had a lot of time for.

“He’s a powerful horse, a real galloper, obviously love to see him stay in training but that will be up to Shaikh Hamdan.”

Shaikh Hamdan, who since 2008 has sponsored the Joel Stakes through his breeding arm, Shadwell, won the race back in 1993 with Gabr (1993) and followed it up four years later with Intikhab.