Siyola poised for Musidora test at York
SIYOLA appears poised to put her Oaks credentials to the test in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes following what was a taking debut at Sandown recently.
Held in high regard by trainers John and Thady Gosden, the regallybred Juddmonte-owned filly did not make the track as a two-year-old, but made up for lost time when accounting for useful stablemate Beeley on her Esher bow.
That Sandown novice event was previously won by Clarehaven’s Emily Upjohn before marching on to Musidora success at York and Siyola looks likely to follow suit and attempt to enhance the stable’s excellent recent record in the 10 furlong Group Three contest.
“She looked a nice filly and she’s a very well-bred, good-looking filly,” said Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon.
“She took a little bit of time to come to hand and I think John and Thady have been pretty sweet on her for quite a while.
“At the back of our minds we are thinking to go to York for the Musidora.”
Siyola was not entered for the Oaks by connections, who were initially inclined to aim elsewhere, but her victory at Sandown earned the daughter of Siyouni an automatic berth in the Epsom Classic, with her Knavesmire showing set to determine if she is up for the challenge of the Surrey Downs.
“We weren’t in the Oaks and initially you are thinking we’re not in it so we don’t have to point that way,” continued Mahon.
“But we have the ‘win and you’re in’ now and she needs to run again, so it makes logical sense to go to the Musidora and we will find out if we’re good enough to hold that engagement.”
■ Fallen Angel is likely to get another stab at Classic glory in either Ireland or France after failing to run up to expectations in the Qipco 1000 Guineas.
Winner of three of her four juvenile starts, including a Group One victory in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, the daughter of Too Darn Hot was sent off favourite to provide trainer Karl Burke with a first Classic success on home soil at Newmarket on Sunday.
Fallen Angel travelled well for a long way over the Rowley Mile, but flattened out in the latter stages to finish eighth of 16 runners, albeit beaten less than five lengths by surprise winner Elmalka.
Burke said: “Obviously we were disappointed, but I don’t think there was a lot more we could have done in her prep. She looked fantastic in the paddock beforehand and she was fit – she didn’t have much of a blow on her afterwards.”
The Spigot Lodge handler is keen to let the dust settle before firming up the next plan of attack, but is minded to either head back to the Curragh for the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas or cross the Channel for the Prix De Diane.
“Where we go, the immediate reaction was that if the ground is right we could go back to the Curragh, or, and I haven’t discussed it with Steve (Parkin, owner) yet, we could possibly go for the Prix de Diane instead,” he added.