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Whirl leaves rivals reeling in Musidora but Oaks unlikely
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 14 May 2025
Whirl is in full flight approaching the finish under Moore (focusonracing.com)
There was another impressive winner of a Classic trial for Aidan O’Brien, as Whirl scorched to a bloodless victory in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York.
A market drifter before the off, the daughter of Wootton Bassett was sent off at 7-2 in the hands of Coolmore number one Ryan Moore, who was positive out of the stalls and never too far away from the pace.
It was Ralph Beckett’s Sandown winner Tattycoram that led the field of Classic aspirants into the straight, but Whirl was hot on her tail, with Moore soon allowing his mount to stride on up the long run for home on the Knavesmire.
The further she went, the better Whirl got as she sauntered to a five-and-a-half-length success over Andrew Balding’s Serenity Prayer, who made late ground from the back of the field.
Tabor gives Oaks warning
Paddy Power trimmed the winner’s odds for the Betfred Oaks to 10-1 from 33-1, but part-owner Michael Tabor suggested she is far from certain to head for Epsom.
He said: “Ryan said before the race his plan was to bump her out and get a good position and if they caught her, then so be it.
“I don’t think anyone expected that (performance) particularly, but Aidan seems to be able to do that, as we know.
“I don’t really think that Whirl is an Oaks filly. I think she’d probably get a mile and a half, but over a mile and a quarter, something like the Prix de Diane, I think, would be more suitable, but I haven’t discussed it with Derrick (Smith) or John (Magnier) or Aidan, so that’s just my thinking.”
Moore: "she was impressive"
On what trip would be most suitable for Whirl, Moore added: “She’s by Wootton Bassett, so you can kind of do most things.
“She was very comfortable stepping up to that trip today and I thought she was impressive.
“She’s very straightforward, was always travelling nicely, she didn’t do a whole lot in front but she kept responding and I thought it was a nice performance.”
Andrew Balding’s wife and assistant Anna-Lisa said of the runner-up: “What a star she is, she’s a lovely big filly. She struggled to go with them early as they went very quick but this is only her second run. To beat the fillies she has beaten is exciting. She’s come a long way in a short time.
“I’d imagine it will be the Ribblesdale (at Royal Ascot) next, but I just put the saddle on! We’ll all have a good chat tomorrow but there’s lots to look forward to.”
Go Go Boots delights Gosden
Dual Lingfield winner Go Go Boots was third on her turf debut for John and Thady Gosden. Gosden senior said: “We’re delighted with the filly, she ran a very good race. She had a little trouble getting out of a pocket but she’s run very nicely.
“She’s learned a lot there, that’s her first run on grass. That’s what’s happened this year, she’s done two pieces of work on grass and everything else has been on the all-weather.
“We’ll see what we want to do over the next few days but we are probably pointing towards the Ribblesdale, that looks the logical thing to do and we couldn’t be happier with the run. She showed a great attitude, the second filly is nice and they were a long way clear of the fourth.
“These fillies are having to learn a lot very quickly and she probably got onto the course wondering what was underneath her feet!”
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