IT is 32 years since a Royal winner of a British Classic, but Enticement can enhance her Investec Oaks claims in this afternoon’s Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York.
Sir Michael Stoute’s unbeaten filly looked one to watch in her two victories as a two-year-old and hopes are high that the Queen could claim her first victory in the fillies’ Classic since Dunfermline’s success in 1977.
Enticement landed the Montrose Stakes at Newmarket last November, beating 1,000 Guineas third Super Sleuth and Saturday’s impressive Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Midday in the process. Form which gives the Montjeu filly leading claims in today’s Group Three event on the Knavesmire.
The Queen’s racing manager, John Warren, said: “The form could not be working out any better, it is really coming together very nicely.
“She’s wintered very well. She looks the part, she’s not a big home worker but she is always there or thereabouts at the end of her work so she’s difficult to assess but as we saw last year, she saves it for the track.
“Everything is right, she’s well and healthy and we are really looking forward to the run.
“There shouldn’t be any problem with the trip. We’re certainly not concerned about tomorrow but if you dug deep into her female family, they are mostly milers. All in all we are very positive all round which is encouraging.
“A lot of people have asked whether she is an Oaks filly or a Ribblesdale filly, but I think it will answer itself tomorrow depending on how well she runs. It was arranged well in advance to go for the better trial, so I think Sir Michael must hold her in pretty high esteem.”
In opposition recent Newbury winner High Heeled looks a chief danger providing she lines up. The Barry Hills-trained High Chaparral filly will only take her chance if the ground is to connections’ liking. They will walk the course before deciding.
Charlie Hills, son and assistant to trainer Barry, said: “We’ll walk the course in the morning as we don’t really want any jar in the ground.
“We were delighted with her at Newbury as she showed a good attitude to racing and we hadn’t done an awful lot with her beforehand, so she should improve again. It’s a good race and we will find out how good she is.”
Another leading contender is Michael Bell’s Sariska and big-race jockey Jamie Spencer said: “The reason she went to Newbury was to find out if she was going to go for the Guineas.
