Hughie has the key to Sweet Selection

SWEET Selection powered clear under Silvestre de Sousa to claim the Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

Having finished excellent fifth in last month's Doncaster Cup after the weights for this prestigious handicap were released, Hughie Morrison's filly lined up officially 17lb well-in and was unsurprisingly prominent in the market at odds of 7-1.

De Sousa's mount was never too far off the pace in the two-and-a-quarter-mile contest, with 13-2 joint-favourite Starchitect leading the field for a long way.

As the latter started to weaken disappointingly, Sweet Selection was rousted to the lead on the far side of the track and made the best of her way home.

Sea Of Heaven came from out of the pack to challenge, followed by outsider First Mohican, but Morrison's filly kept up to the gallop to score by three lengths.

First Mohican beat Sea Of Heaven to second spot, with The Cashel Man fourth.

The other joint-favourite, St Michel, travelled well for a long way, but was ultimately well beaten.

"It's brilliant. She's very tough and Mr Morrison really liked her," said De Sousa.

";She was off the bridle for a long way, but the more you ask her, the more she gives.

"It was a great performance. It's special. I'm just delighted."

Morrison said: "I'm a shocking judge. I spent the whole of last year thinking that she was a mile-and-a-quarter filly.

"This time last year she was rated 65 and had only won once.

"She is incredibly tough but Silvestre said he was beat five out. It was a great ride and I'm delighted for Paul (Brocklehurst, owner).

"She just outstayed them. That was the plan.

"There are not many races beyond two miles. We will keep her in training and have some fun next year.

"The great thing about her is she is so relaxed and takes nothing out of herself. We do very little with her at home.";

Brocklehurst added: "I think the loose horse helped her get to the front.

"The instructions were to keep her handy and he did that all the way.

"She is a tough as teak and has a gorgeous attitude although she can be a bit lazy at times.

"She is really tough and kept galloping all the way to the line.

"We will keep her in training as a five-year-old and see if we can have some fun."