Classic hopes take flight Eleven fillies will be out to display their Classic credentials when they go to post in tomorrow`s Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York. The Group Three contest, run over an extended mile and a quarter, is traditionally a leading trial for next month`s Vodafone Oaks at Epsom. And The Queen`s Flight of Fancy is already the clear favourite for the Oaks at 5-1 with Ladbrokes, despite having yet to make it to the racecourse this year. The filly, a Salisbury maiden winner last season, booked her place in tomorrow`s line-up with a pleasing work-out last Wednesday. But she will face some more-exposed and experienced rivals, such as Michael Bell`s Heavenly Whisper. With stable-jockey Michael Fenton ruled out of the ride after a fall at Beverley on Saturday, Bell has booked Frankie Dettori to take the ride aboard the Kempton Listed race winner. 'He`s not a bad substitute!' the trainer said. 'Heavenly Whisper is well and she would appreciate anyrain as she is proven on soft ground. The step up to a mile and a quarter will not be a problem trip - her grandam Rimosa`s Pet won the Musidora. 'I`m sure we`ll see the Oaks winner this week, either in this race or at Newbury on Friday. We`ll see whether she`s up to Classic standard.' If Bell wants to send his filly to Epsom he will need to supplement her at the June 1 entry stage at a cost of Stg£20,000. Barry Hills has been farming Derby trials over the past fortnight and bids to maintain the streak with his fillies. The trainer describes Relish The Thought as a 'big, strong filly'. She won a maiden last year and bids to maintain her 100 per cent record under Hills`s son Michael. Stablemate Toffee Nosed, who finished third in the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket, will be partnered by John Reid.
