Ground worry for John Gosden’s Musidora Stakes contender Shutter Speed
While John Gosden's filly will act on softer going, connections feel she will not run to her best if conditions deteriorate although they are still planning to race
CONNECTIONS are worried about the forecast heavy rain for Shutter Speed as she prepares to line up in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday.
John Gosden's exciting filly is a short-priced favourite for the Oaks trial after putting up a thrilling display at Newbury on her reappearance.
She beat stablemate Enable, with that filly subsequently winning the Cheshire Oaks and while she looks guaranteed to take her chance at Epsom, connections have already suggested Shutter Speed could skip Epsom for a trip to France.
As the Musidora is only over 10 furlongs there will be no definitive answer on the Knavesmire, but the softer than expected ground will turn it into more of a stamina test.
Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: "The rain is not very satisfactory, but it is our intention to run.
"She did win on her debut at Yarmouth when it was pretty soft ground so she can act on it, but whether she can show what we know she is capable of is another thing.
"We'll just have to play it by ear, but we do want to run as there's nowhere else for her to go.
"York will be a good test for her and hopefully will provide us with a good indication of where she should go. She has the option of the Oaks at Epsom and the Prix de Diane as well.
MOST READ
"She has come on very well since her Newbury run. It's probably going to turn out to be a pretty decent race - we were delighted that Enable came out and won the Cheshire Oaks, which franks the form a little bit.
"Shutter Speed herself has been in great shape. The main thing for us is for her to have a good race and get into a good rhythm.
"Enable will go to the Oaks, all being well. But if we thought it was the right thing for Shutter Speed to go, we would still go with her. Her pedigree suggests that a mile and a quarter could be her best trip but we'll see."
One man not worried about the recent rain is Roger Varian who runs Serenada.
"Serenada showed a good attitude to win a competitive-looking Sandown maiden and I feel she has stepped forward since," Varian told his website.
"The course will suit her and she won't mind some ease in the ground - this will tell us a lot more about her."
It is rare for Aidan O'Brien not to be represented in a Classic trial but that is the case here and the Irish challenge instead falls to Jim Bolger, who saddles Vociferous Marina.
Hugo Palmer's once-raced Vintage Folly and Mark Johnston's Miss Infinity complete the field.