Easy For Alexandrova

Alexandrova landed her third straight Group One victory when running out a hugely impressive winner of the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York.

Mick Kinane was content to settle the Sadler's Wells filly well off the early pace before taking closer order as the field entered the final three furlongs.

When he asked her to quicken approaching the final quarter-mile the response was immediate and the 4-9 favourite eased clear of the chasing pack to score by a comfortable three and a half lengths.

Short Skirt (11-2) had made most of the running until Alexandrova swept past and she kept on well under Robert Winston to secure second spot.

Allegretto stayed on late in the day to claim third, a further three quarters of a length away.

Kinane told Channel 4 Racing : 'She's a very talented filly.

'That made my life simple and we were always going to be at the back, biding our time.

'She's very quick and gets there very quickly.'

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien told Racing UK: 'She's a very classy filly and has got a great cruising speed and turn of foot ? she's very special.

'Mick had extreme confidence in her. She's got great natural speed and she gets there so easily.

'She does laze when she gets there early and Kieren (Fallon) learned a lot about her that day (second to Short Skirt in the Musidora).

'This filly has an extra gear that makes her able to pick up horses and I think that's what makes her special.

'I think John (Magnier), Michael (Tabor) and Derek (Smith) will discuss what's next but by the sound of what they are saying she will go for the fillies' race on Arc day (Prix de l'Opera).'

Sir Michael Stoute said: 'My two fillies (Short Skirt and Allegretto) have run a hell of a race.

'I'm sure the track suited Short Skirt better than it did at Epsom.'

Winston, rider of Short Skirt, added: 'She's run a hell of a race and is a very genuine filly ? she just keeps galloping.

'She wants knee-deep ground; the softer the better.

'Three down, I'm off the bridle ? she just hung a bit left with me but one crack and she's straightened up.

'But she's come across a very high-class filly who is the best around.'

Chris Richardson, managing director to Allegretto's owners Cheveley Park Stud, added: 'I'm very pleased, she's run very well.

'There was a nervous moment when she came off the bridle five furlongs out but she stayed on until the end.

'She's still inexperienced and next year she will improve.

'She'll be better over further and with more give in the ground.

'We could go to the Park Hill but we'd have to carry a penalty.'

? PA Sport