The Al Shaqab Racing silks kept the title in the Arqana July Stakes (Gr2) on the opening day of the Newmarket’s July Festival on Thursday.
After Shalaa’s win last year, Mehmas did just as well over the six furlongs for fine victory.
Second in the Coventry Stakes behind an impressive Caravaggio at Royal Ascot, Mehmas won easily this time, ahead of Intelligence Cross, who finished well after a bad start, and Broken Stones.
“He sticks his head down and tries really hard, so you’re always guaranteed a good run from him,” said jockey Frankie Dettori. “He’s very uncomplicated and versatile on ground and can have cover or no cover and he has a kick, so it’s a question of pressing the button. He’s a lovely horse with a great nature.”
Trainer Richard Hannon was palpably pleased with his ward’s performance.
“Frankie gave him a lovely ride and he’s probably getting lazy as he’s never shown us much at home, he tends to just do enough,” Hannon said.
“We can look forward to Goodwood now. I think he deserved a nice win after the Coventry. It obviously didn’t dishearten him, getting beaten, and he is definitely better on fast ground. He’s in the Phoenix Stakes so we’ll look between that and the Richmond. He looks like a two-year-old unless he shoots up two inches, so we’ll have to make hay while the sun shines.”