Snowfall bursts into Oaks picture with Musidora triumph

Snowfall led her rivals a merry dance to provide Aidan O’Brien with his first victory in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York.

The daughter of Japanese superstar Deep Impact managed just one win in seven outings as a juvenile last season, albeit her final two outings were at Group One level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes and the Fillies’ Mile.

She was a widely unconsidered 14-1 shot on her reappearance, with the market dominated by the impeccably-bred pair of Noon Star – a daughter of Derby winner Galileo and top-class racemare Midday – and Sea The Stars filly Teona.

However, Ryan Moore navigated Snowfall to the lead from an early stage – and having dictated affairs for much of the 10-furlong Group Three contest, she passed the post with three and three-quarter lengths in hand.

Noon Star filled the runner-up spot, with Teona doing well to finish as close as she did in third after pulling fiercely for her head for much of the race.

Bookmaker response was immediate, with Snowfall's odds slashed for the Cazoo Oaks. She is now a top-priced 6-1.

O'Brien said: "We always thought the world of her last year, but things just didn't work for her.

"On pedigree she was always going to be suited by a step up in trip, Ryan gave her a lovely ride.

"It's a beautiful pedigree and we always thought a race like that would suit. I would think the Oaks will be the plan, but we'll all have a chat.

"Things just didn't work out for her last season, hopefully she goes on and has a good year."

Kevin Buckley, owners Coolmore's UK representative, said: "Aidan has always thought a lot of her, and we were fairly hopeful with the step up in trip. Her pedigree suggested that would be to her liking, and those thoughts were vindicated.

"It's the first time we've won the Musidora. We've hit the crossbar twice, with Together Forever (2015) and Twirl (2012). We were definitely thinking a mile and a half would suit. She's out of a full-sister to Found by Deep Impact, so there's everything there to suggest the distance of the Oaks won't be a problem. She showed a really good attitude."

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for Noon Star's owners Juddmonte, said: "Obviously the lack of pace was not ideal, to say the least - she's a filly who does stay and will stay.

"We'll get her back, make sure she's ok, make sure Michael (trainer Sir Michael Stoute) and the family are happy - and then we'll take it from there. I don't think there's any need for any precipitous decisions at the moment.

"These are trials. This is what they are there for - they are sent to try us."

Teona's trainer Roger Varian described himself as more frustrated than disappointed. He said: "It was a messy race. Unfortunately she reared up in the gates, missed the break - and that meant after 50 yards you sort of knew how the race would be run.

"It's slightly unsatisfying, but I've lost no faith in the filly - I think she's very nice. Everything that could go wrong today did, but on a positive note she's had a day out and will come on for the run. She's been fresh all day today and hopefully she'll be more professional next time.

"She's got loads of talent, and I haven't lost faith because the race was run at a crawl. If we'd broken better maybe we could have done something about it. It's frustrating more than disappointing - judge her more next time. I'll speak to the owner about the Oaks, but I wouldn't be discouraged on what happened today. We live to fight another day."