The Fugue has been catapulted to the head of the betting for the Oaks with an brilliant display in the Musidora Stakes at York.
John Gosden’s filly was having just her third start having run a respectable fourth in the 1000 Guineas 10 days earlier.
She was struck into on that occasion but the damage was only superficial, allowing her wound to heal in time for her to gain valuable experience in the recognised Oaks trial.
However, all the pre-race talk was about Aidan O’Brien’s Twirl, one of a strong contingent of Classic fillies from Ballydoyle this season.
Twirl ended up being sent off the 5-6 favourite allowing The Fugue to start at odds of 15-8 but William Buick was sitting pretty at the two-furlong (400m) marker while Joseph O’Brien was already asking his mount to quicken.
When Buick pressed the button, The Fugue stretched 4-1/2 lengths clear and is now 7-2 favourite (from 12-1) with Coral for the Classic. Betfred and Boylesports are biggest at 5s.
“The better ground has made a big difference to her,” said Gosden.
“She’s a lovely filly and she was unlucky in the Guineas when she was struck into.
“All being well she’ll run at Epsom now, but she wouldn’t want it soft. In case it is, we’ll also leave her in the French Oaks.
“She’s got little ballerina feet that sunk at Newmarket so we just hope it’s not soft at Epsom.
“If Aidan’s horse hadn’t run you could have questioned the form, but they really like her and she was heavily backed.”
