Musical Times following familiar path in Fillies’ Mile

Musical Times will continue to follow in the lofty footsteps of Charlie Appleby's 1000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower when she lines up for the bet365 Fillies' Mile at Newmarket on Friday.

After winning her first two starts in novice company, the daughter of Lope De Vega took the step up to Group Two level firmly in her stride when coasting to a commanding seven-and-a-half-length success in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster.

Desert Flower won the same race in 2024 before completing her four-timer at Group One level on the Rowley Mile, and with Musical Times already towards the head of the betting for next year's Classics she is a warm order to follow suit.

“Musical Times ticks a lot of boxes,” Appleby told www.godolphin.com.

“She is pretty versatile when it comes to ground, having won on good to soft and a quicker surface, while she can lead or drop in.

“She has also won over the trip, which is a big bonus, so she looks a worthy favourite and the one to beat.”

Aidan O'Brien has won the Fillies' Mile on a record seven occasions and is this year doubly represented, with Ryan Moore siding with Dundalk maiden winner Haven over stablemate Exceptionally , the mount of Colin Keane.

Further interest from Ireland is provided by Joseph O'Brien's Dancing Destiny , who has only had Sun Goddess and her stablemate Green Empress ahead of her the last twice.

However, the main threat to Musical Times could come in the form of Ed Bethell's Rogue Passion , who announced herself at Patten level when downing subsequent Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Amusingly in a Group Two at ParisLongchamp.

Bethell said: “We've always thought she was a nice filly, she was arguably unlucky not to win on her second start and then when she blew them away on her third start it confirmed what we were thinking even before she set foot on track – that she was above average.

“It wasn't a surprise she won in France last time due to the regard we held her in, it was just if she was able to take the next step as quickly as she did as we always thought she would end up being a stakes filly.

“It's hard to say if she's improved since France as she always does what she needs to do at home, but I've been very pleased with her preparation and fingers crossed she can run a big race.

“We're a Group Two winner so unless we want to run under a penalty we have to roll the dice somewhere and we chose to come here and we'll keep our fingers tightly crossed. We'll let her do the talking and if she turns out good enough then that is fantastic.”

Rossa Ryan was on board in France and maintains the partnership.

He said: “Obviously her form has worked out well and I'd imagine any more rain that comes will suit her well.

“She's probably a filly happy dropping right in when she can use her turn of foot. She gets a mile but is quick enough for six furlongs – she's ideal really.

“We'll find out if she's a Group One filly, she's got the right form and if she was trained by Aidan O'Brien she'd be vying for favouritism.”

Andrew Balding will fire a two-pronged assault as he seeks to secure further prize-money in his quest for a first trainers' championship.

He will be represented by Forbidden Fire , who got the better of the boys to scoop Listed honours on her second start in the Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster, as well as Scommessa Sicura , who the previous day had finished best of the rest behind Musical Times.

“I think if you can be competitive in a Fillies' Mile, you know where your stall's going to be set for next season,” said Balding on pitching Forbidden Fire into deep waters.

“Part of the reason we're running is a fact-finding mission, and particularly in terms of trip – I think we need to establish that as quickly as we can. If there is a chance she'll stay a mile, she's a high-class filly and travels very strongly, very straightforward, and I'd hope she'd run well.”

The final runner in the field of eight is Simon and Ed Crisford's Lex Victoria who faces the starter unbeaten and full of potential ahead of this first serious test of her credentials.

Chris Wall, racing manager for owners Victorious Forever, said: “She's in good heart at home and the only sort of negative is it has started raining, which I know we've all been praying for, but if it had held off another 48 hours it would have helped our cause.

“The rain might help one or two others in the race more than us, but it depends how much we get and everywhere is dry and will take a bit of rain. As long as it's not slow ground we should be able to see what she is able to do.”