Star of Seville can shine again in the Musidora
RECENT Newbury winner STAR OF SEVILLE lines up against a handful of talent in today’s Musidora Stakes at York (3.45pm) and she should take all the beating.
The John Gosden-trained filly stretched away impressively in a conditions race at Newbury last time out and York’s flat track should suit perfectly.
The going will also be in her favour as the ground continues to dry out on the Knavesmire.
Her main market rival is Together Forever and I’m keen to oppose her. In her defence, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Irish raider comes into this race as the only filly with a win in Group company.
However, she will be giving 4lb to the field as a result of her success in the Group One Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on Future Champions Day last October.
Furthermore, I have reservations in backing O’Brien’s runners first time out having watched Sir Isaac Newton and John F Kennedy beaten at odds of 1/6 and 1/4 respectively earlier this season.
If it were a battle of the trainers’ records in this race, the finger again points to Star of Seville. John Gosden has won two of the last four renewals, while the Musidora continues to elude Aidan O’Brien despite posting six attempts since 2005.
Pandora, third in the market, was impressive at Doncaster, but she has more than a mediocre field of maidens to swoop past this time and will need to improve considerably.
In the build-up to the Musidora, a field of 20 is set to compete in the Infinity Tyres Stakes (2.40pm).
I like MASS RALLY who comes into this race off his lowest handicap mark since winning the Ayr Silver Cup in 2012.
In-form trainer Michael Dods reapplies the headgear in a bid to beat the handicapper and continue the yard’s good early season form.
The eight-year-old has won twice over course and distance, including the 2013 renewal of this race off a 2lb higher mark, and can be backed at around 10/1.
■ Pointers…
MASS RALLY e/w 2.40pm York
STAR OF SEVILLE 3.45pm York