Tattersalls Musidora Stakes |
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| Group 3, York 16:05 £130,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1  |
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Legacy Link could provide John and Thady Gosden with another significant Oaks contender when she returns at York on Wednesday.
The regally-bred daughter of Dubawi brings a compelling profile into one of the season’s key Oaks trials, being out of a sister to the outstanding Frankel. It would be fitting if she announced herself at York, the scene of one of Sir Henry Cecil’s most memorable triumphs with the unbeaten champion.
Legacy Link already possesses strong juvenile form, having progressed from an encouraging debut at Newmarket to score at Haydock before acquitting herself admirably in Group One company when fourth in the Fillies’ Mile at the end of last season.
That form now reads particularly well following the exploits of the fillies around her in the 1000 Guineas, and the Juddmonte-owned filly appears well placed to continue the Clarehaven team’s excellent recent record in the Musidora, a race they have won seven times since 2011.
“She’s not had a run yet this year, but this looks a natural spot to go with her,” said Thady Gosden.
“The plan was always to enter in this race and she seems very well in herself, she’s done very well from two to three.
“The Fillies’ Mile form got a bit of a boost in the 1000 Guineas and she’s always been a very likeable filly and very smartly bred. Hopefully we can go to York with her.”
Aidan O’Brien is represented by Moments Of Joy, who finished just behind Legacy Link in the Fillies’ Mile and adds further strength to the line-up for Ballydoyle.
Among the other notable contenders is Ed Walker’s Felicitas, who created a favourable impression with an emphatic success at Sandown and now steps into deeper company with significant potential for improvement.
Sea The Storm also warrants close consideration for William Haggas as she makes only her second appearance for the stable, having previously shown useful Group-race form in Germany as a juvenile.
As ever, the Musidora looks set to provide valuable clues ahead of Epsom, with several fillies bringing either proven Group form or untapped potential into one of the spring’s most informative middle-distance trials.
Tattersalls Musidora Stakes
£130,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1
6 runners
Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
