Sariska impresses in Musidora

Sariska produced an impressive display at York this afternoon to take the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes in the hands of Jamie Spencer.

Michael Bell's filly was sent off at 3/1 having been beaten into fourth on her seasonal reappearance at Newbury, and was always travelling well on the heels of the leaders.

Spencer pushed his mount out to challenge Star Ruby for the lead over two furlongs from home and, although she took a while to get on top, she stretched away in the closing stages to score by three and three-quarter lengths.

Spencer said, 'She's a little sweetheart and I've always liked her. Some people were disappointed at Newbury, but I was over the moon with her really.'

'The ground was the only issue today as there was no doubting her stamina. Today was the first time she's got a smack and she responded. She'll benefit from the experience.'

Bell added, 'It was a reasonably cosy call for her to miss the Guineas as it would all have happened a bit quick for her and all her dam did was stay, stay and stay.'

'We've always been fairly emphatic that the further she went the better she would be. I love her and she is the apple of my eye. She lost a few friends after the Fred Darling but she showed at Newmarket last back-end what a good filly she is, and has proven it again today.'

Peter Chapple-Hyam was delighted with runner-up Star Ruby and said, 'I couldn't be happier with that, and the winner is obviously a good filly. Alan (Munro) thought he maybe should have kicked a little earlier but hindsight is a wonderful thing.'

Asked whether he would supplement his filly for the Oaks at Epsom, the trainer added, 'We will see but she is in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, and will have no problem with a mile and a half.'

Sir Michael Stoute reported after the race that the ground was too fast for his charge Enticement, who was sent off the 7/4 favourite and finished a further three and a half lengths back in third.