Joviality, Set To Bypass Epsom

Musidora Stakes Winner, Joviality, Set To Bypass Epsom In Favour Of French Guineas.

The Group Three Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday attracted only five runners and failed to provide any real clues as to the likely outcome of the forthcoming Epsom Oaks.  The winner, Joviality, trained by John Gosden looked a progressive sort, but her trainer does not believe that she would get the one mile four furlong Epsom trip and he is therefore going to aim her at the French Guineas over ten furlongs at Chantilly instead.

To win the Musidora, Joviality had to fight off a strong and very persistent challenge from the Richard Fahey trained Barefoot Lady. In the event she managed to hold on by a head after the pair streaked away from the field, which included race favourite Arizona Jewel who was extremely disappointing and who finished over 9 lengths behind in fourth place.

Even more disappointing was the Ballydoyle entry Amazing Beauty, who had set the early pace but was the first to succumb three furlongs from home. Both Arizona Jewel and Amazing Beauty are now likely to be withdrawn from the Oaks field. Barefoot Lady meanwhile will now be rested and a decision regarding her participation in the fillies Classic will be made in due course. She is currently a 12/1 shot for the race, but she has now had three hard races in quick succession, firstly winning the Group Three Nell Gwyn Stakes in April, she was fifth in the 1000 Guineas a fortnight ago and now a big run in this.

Perhaps a bigger clue for the Oaks was the win for Banimpire in the Group Three, Blue Wind Stakes, at Naas, also on Wednesday. The Jim Bolger trained filly was winning for the third time this season and looked a class act in the process. She had several previous winners behind her, including the highly regarded Mesariya from the John Oxx yard and has now been given a quote of 25/1 in the Oaks betting.

The 1000 Guineas winner, Blue Bunting remains the 5/2 favourite to win the race on Friday 3rd June, with last week’s Cheshire Oaks winner, Wonder of Wonders from the Aidan O’Brien stable next best in the market at 5/1.

Of the other Oaks runners, the unbeaten, Mick Channon trained, Zain Al Boldan who was an impressive winner of the Group Three, Lingfield Oaks Trial last week has also attracted further support to win the Oaks. She is now as short as 10/1 for the race but can still be backed at 12s with several other Bookmakers.