Islington wins Musidora

Islington was made 5-2 favourite for the Vodafone Oaks by Ladbrokes after a workmanlike victory in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York today.

But unusually her trainer Sir Michael Stoute and Kieren Fallon both immediately nominated different fillies as dangers at Epsom on June 7, and William Hill left their three-year-old`s price 9-2 - only to be forced by weight of money to cut her to 3-1.

Connections were pleased that the late-developing Islington, at the forefront of the ante-post market since her win in a Newbury maiden last month, was able to defy a cross wind and lack of experience on this step up to Group Three class.

Sent to the front fully three furlongs out by Kieren Fallon, who was keen to avoid being boxed in on the rails, the 5-6 favourite soon went clear - only to idle in the closing stages and hold off strong-finishing Spinnette by just a length at the line.

Alexander Three D took third place in the five-runner field, ahead of Fraulein and Half Glance.

Stoute, who has won the Oaks with Fair Salinia and Unite in the past, was delighted with Islington`s performance on just her fourth appearance.

'She got there a bit sooner than we wanted her to - they were trying tighten her up and Kieren would have had to come round the outside,' he said.

'But it will have taught her something. She is a bit babyish and spooky and looks at everything.

'She keeps answering the questions, she is progressing and we are hopeful. And I would be disappointed if she didn`t get the trip. She is entitled to go to Epsom but she has to improve a bit more to do the business.'

Stoute believes Godolphin`s 1000 Guineas winner Kazzia - a 6-1 chance with Ladbrokes and William Hill is the one to beat at Epsom.

'I am surprised Kazzia is not favourite.' he said. 'She is a winner of the 1000 Guineas who looks sure to be suited by a mile and a half.'

Fallon fears Quarter Moon (5-1 with Ladbrokes) from Aidan O`Brien`s powerful stable.

'She was unlucky in the 1000 Guineas,' he said. 'Mick Kinane was nearly brought down after 100 yards and she could have won otherwise so she is a danger.'

But the jockey was also very impressed that Islington was able to win today despite unfavourable conditions.

'The wind was blowing her sideways and she had to do it the hard way, going on three out when the gap came,' he said.

'They were trying to keep me in but luckily she is a good filly with a good turn of foot and she got me out of jail.

'Then she idled and she was watching everything.'

Fallon has won the Oaks on Ramruma and Reams of Verse _ the latter also a wide-margin winner of the Musidora _ and is looking forward to another good day at Epsom.

'Islington stays well, goes on any ground and this is a very good trial,' he said. 'She isn`t a Reams of Verse but this is a different type of filly.

'I have never had any worry about the trip and she is getting better and better. On her home work I always thought she could win an Oaks.'

Spinnette, whose jockey Jamie Spencer was cautioned for using the whip above shoulder height, is a 14-1 chance (from 33-1) for the Oaks with William Hill, while Alexander Three D is offered at 12-1 by Ladbrokes.