Fugure marches to Epsom

The Fugue: Jumped to the fore of the Oaks betting after an easy win

The Fugue produced an imperious display to win the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York.

There had been fears that John Gosden's filly could be off the track for some time after initial concerns that she had been struck into when finishing fourth in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas on her seasonal reappearance.

However, the injury wasn't as serious as first feared and the daughter of Dansili was able to make a quick return to the track for the 10 furlong contest on the Knavesmire.

Aniseed quickly took on and passed the heavily supported Twirl for the lead despite missing the break and led the field at a decent gallop into the straight.

The big two players travelled well in behind and challenged either side of William Haggas' filly with Joseph O'Brien the first to get serious aboard the favourite.

As they raced side-by-side, O'Brien became more and more animated in the saddle in stark contrast to William Buick who was motionless aboard his Lady Lloyd-Webber owned mount.

When push came to shove, The Fugue quickened in the style of a seriously smart performer to provide Gosden with back-to-back wins in the race by a margin of four and a half lengths (from Twirl) which could easily have been many more.

Jockey Impressed

Buick said: "She felt very good. She was a little bit keen early on and she's still inexperienced, so when horses come around her, she's a very reactive filly.

"I just tried to get her to settle and she picked up really well - she's class.

"The Guineas wasn't a very nice experience for her. She wasn't unlucky but she came out worst in a barging match and I'm just glad to have her back.

"At Epsom you need tactical speed and she certainly has that."

Gosden added: "She was very inexperienced running in the Guineas off the back of a maiden win but she's a lovely filly. She ran great at Newmarket but we're back on decent ground and all being well she'll be going to Epsom.

"I just wouldn't want to see the ground go soft. If it does she'd revert to the French Oaks but she has a good turn of foot and William felt she'd stay very well. She's classy and showed it today."

The bookmakers were impressed, Ladbrokes, Coral and William Hill cut The Fugue to 7-2 for the Investec Oaks, Sky Bet are 4-1 and Boylesports a top-priced 5-1.

Sky Bet's Richard Horner said: "The Fugue has entered the Oaks picture in style and has been cut to 4/1 from 10/1 following her impressive win over the well backed favourite Twirl.

"She and Vow, trained by William Haggas, will spearhead the challenge against the Ballydoyle battalion on June 1st at Epsom."