English/Ire
Whirl waltzes to Musidora success
Aidan O’Brien continued his domination of the British Classic trials when Whirl ran out a resounding winner of the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday.
Always well-positioned under the all-conquering Ryan Moore, Whirl picked up well to breeze past the front-running Tattycoram in the straight before readily drawing clear for a commanding five-and-a-half length triumph. The Andrew Balding-trained Serenity Prayer stayed on to fill the runner-up spot, with Go Go Boots a neck behind in third.
Whilst many consider the Musidora to be a trial for the English Oaks, Whirl may instead be bound for French equivalent, with Michael Tabor, part owner, suggesting a trip for the Prix de Diane could be more in favour.
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 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."
Ryan 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."
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