CHAMPION jockey Paul Hanagan is hoping Rose Blossom can land a third victory on the Knavesmire in this afternoon’s Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes.

The Warrington jockey will once again be aboard the Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old as she makes her seasonal return in the Group Two contest at York.

Having won a conditions event over course and distance at this Dante meeting 12 months ago, Rose Blossom also landed a Group Two contest at the track in July.

Hanagan said: “It’s a really tough race but I couldn’t wish for her to be in better form and I’m looking forward to riding her again.”

Hanagan is also looking forward to seeing Barefoot Lady step up to 10 furlongs in today’s Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York.

The Fahey-trained filly landed the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on her seasonal debut and was then supplemented for the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas back at Headquarters earlier this month.

She finished fifth behind winner Blue Bunting.

The daughter of Footstepsinthesand must take on the Henry Cecil-trained Arizona Jewel, Joviality from John Gosden’s yard and the Aidan O’Brien raider Amazing Beauty in this afternoon’s Investec Oaks trial but Hanagan thinks she will take it in her stride.

Barefoot Lady is currently not entered for the Oaks.

But Hanagan said: “I think she has been crying out for this step up in trip.

“She seems in great form and she should be right up there.”

Arizona Jewel is the shorter-priced of today’s rivals in the Oaks betting at around 14-1.

Cecil, who has won the Musidora nine times and the Oaks eight, said said: “She is an improving filly and hopefully she’ll run well.”

YORK DAY ONE PREDICTIONS: 1.30pm Right Step 2pm Chiswick Bey 2.30pm Barefoot Lady 3pm Rose Blossom (NAP) 3.35pm Embsay Crag 4.10pm Gatepost 4.45pm Sud Pacifique.