Aidan O’Brien is one win away from making history in the top Oaks and Derby trials, following a dominant performance by Whirl at the Musidora Stakes.
O’Brien Closes In on Full Set of Classic Trial Wins
Trainer Aidan O’Brien is on the verge of a rare achievement. He is one win away from sweeping all five key Oaks and Derby trials held at Chester, Lingfield, Leopardstown, and York. His latest success came on Wednesday when Whirl, priced at 7-2, won the Musidora Stakes at York by five and a half lengths.
Whirl Shortens in Oaks Betting But Epsom Still Uncertain
Following her commanding win, Whirl’s odds for next month’s Epsom Oaks dropped sharply from 33-1 to 10-1. She now joins stablemates Minnie Hauk and Giselle as contenders for the Classic on 6 June. Another O’Brien-trained filly, Lake Victoria, might also feature after her recent Guineas run behind Desert Flower, the current Oaks favourite.
Musidora Win Impressive, But Epsom Run Not Confirmed
Despite her strong performance, Whirl is not guaranteed to run at Epsom. Michael Tabor, one of her co-owners, said she may be better suited to a shorter trip, like the mile-and-a-quarter Prix de Diane in France. He emphasized that no final decision has been made yet among the Coolmore partners.
From Slow Start to Dominant Finish
Whirl wasn’t the favourite on the day. That title went to Ralph Beckett’s Smoken at 5-2, who ended up finishing last. Whirl, on the other hand, took control of the race early in the straight and left her rivals behind with a powerful surge to the finish. She had needed three races to win as a two-year-old, but she looked much stronger in her second outing of the season.
Oaks History Suggests Strong Chances
Recent Musidora winners like Soul Sister and Snowfall went on to win the Oaks, and Emily Upjohn was only narrowly denied. Whirl’s performance on Wednesday stands up well compared to these past champions. Still, her path to Epsom remains uncertain.
O’Brien’s Final Trial Hope: The Lion In Winter
Attention now shifts to The Lion In Winter, O’Brien’s Derby hope, who runs in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday. A win would complete an unprecedented clean sweep of all five major Derby trials for O’Brien, a feat he has never achieved before.
Derby and Royal Ascot Prospects
Meanwhile, Desert Flower stays at the top of the Oaks betting at 3-1. Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin, who won the Duke Of York Stakes on the same day, is priced at 8-1 for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.
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