Oxted landed Europe’s most prestigious sprint, the 6f Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, for jockey Ceiren Fallon at 12/1.
Roger Teal’s charge denied Frankie Dettori one of the few major British Flat races he hasn’t won. Sceptical was a 22nd ride in the July Cup for the Italian jockey, but he had to settle for second.
Golden Horde, the 2/1 favourite getting 6lb weight-for-age and winner of the Commonwealth Cup, completed the places in third.
The decision for Abernant Stakes scorer Oxted to skip Royal Ascot really paid off. All of his major market rivals ran at that major festival, but were left in his wake.
This was a breakthrough Group 1 success for handler Teal and young rider Fallon. Oxted ran out a 1 1/4 lengths victor over Sceptical who reversed Diamond Jubilee form with Hello Youmzain.
He earned bookmaker quotes for the Nunthorpe Stakes during the Ebor Festival at York that range from 15/2 down to 7/1.
Mohaather enters Sussex Stakes picture with Summer Mile success
At Ascot, meanwhile, Mohaather ran out a ready winner of the Group 2 Summer Mile. This was compensation for trainer Marcus Tregoning and owner Hamdan Al Maktoum after bad luck in-running in the Queen Anne.
That Royal Ascot disappointment was left well and truly behind, however. Mohaather raced in midfield, then made good headway when angled out by Dane O’Neill approaching the final furlong.
He soon hit the front and quickened clear in impressive style for a 3 3/4 lengths success over San Donato. Duke Of Hazzard was a further neck behind in third, but the bookies are very taken with Mohaather indeed.
His price for the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood towards the end of this month are slashed into 9/2 second-favourite.
Only Irish 2000 Guineas hero Siskin is a shorter price in the ante post market. Ger Lyons’ stable star would get weight-for-age from Mohaather in what is shaping up to be a hot race.
Falmouth Stakes victor Nazeef, who also won at Royal Ascot, has also entered the Sussex Stakes picture. Off the back of that July Festival success, she ranges in price from 10/1 down to 8/1.
Analysis: Oxted and Mohaather see plans pay off
Jamie Clark, Horsebetting.com Editor
Another each-way fancy goes in. Oxted is a great advert for the underdog and smaller stables, but also not yielding to temptation.
After his Abernant win, most owners could have been forgiven for running at Royal Ascot. How gratifying it was, then, when Oxted shot clear of those who contested the big sprints there.
Connections have been very wise to keep him fresh, and this Group 1 success opens doors. He could drop back in trip for the Nunthorpe, or head to Haydock for the Sprint Cup in September.
There is the Prix Maurice de Gheest over an extended 6f at Deauville in France next month too. Oxted is a sprinter with options.
As for Mohaather, the Sussex Stakes is looking like the hottest race of the summer. That lack of a clear run in the Queen Anne is long forgotten now and, again, the future looks bright.
By the time we get to Glorious Goodwood, the pattern will be well and truly back to normal and that mile contest should be a treat.
What that means for punter is you should be getting good odds on the Sussex Stakes. It looks as competitive as I can remember at this stage, so watch this space.
