Rain makes Shutter Speed a Musidora doubt

York’s May meeting gets under way today but, while it is hoped tomorrow’s Betfred Dante, which will be contested by 11 colts, will provide a large piece of the jigsaw for the Investec Derby, today’s Tattersalls Musidora looks less likely to offer up major Oaks clues.

John Gosden has won four of the past six editions, but has already warned that Shutter Speed, trading as the 6-1 third favourite for the Oaks, may not go to Epsom because of doubts about her stamina and the fact the same team have Cheshire Oaks winner Enable.

Yesterday, he added to the uncertainty by announcing that if there was significant rain at York, on top of what had already fallen since the weekend, the unbeaten filly might not run today.

Behind Shutter Speed, Vociferous Marina sets the standard, having beaten Pocketfullofdreams in the Salsabil Stakes at Navan over 10 furlongs last time. The runner-up did not get the trip in Saturday’s Lingfield Oaks Trial but would have comfortably won at 10 furlongs

One mare we will not be seeing again is the 2016 Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, who was officially retired yesterday. She had not raced since beating My Tent Or Yours by 18 lengths at Aintree last year and is in foal to Camelot. “She doesn’t owe anyone anything. Her Champion Hurdle win was definitely one of the highlights of my career,” said trainer Willie Mullins.

In Australia, Matt Cumani, son of Derby-winning trainer Luca, has been suspended from sending out any runners until August after failing to follow Racing Victoria protocols after an outbreak of strangles in his yard last October.