Joviality Heading to French Oaks After Musidora Score

The Tattersalls Musidora Stakes proved thrilling in its latest iteration as Joviality (Cape Cross) went from maiden to Group 3 winner with just a head between her and Barefoot Lady (Footstepsinthesand) who had Paul Hanagan in the irons. It was another tough beat for the pair after finishing a disappointing fifth in the Qipco 1000 Guineas.

Sent off at 9/4, Barefoot Lady proved second best as William Buick piloted Joviality to a nearly perfect ride to deliver the goods as a 5/1 chance. Arizona Jewel (Dansili) came out of the gate as the 11/8 betting choice but was fended off when pressing the leading pair during the turn.

The contest turned into a thrilling final furlong as Barefoot Lady looked to have gotten the best of Joviality before Buick conjured up a final surge of energy from his filly and she made good in a performance that had punters in the stands visibly shouting “Get in!”

Speaking to the media following the five-horse contest, Joviality's conditioner John Gosden revealed that he had been bullish about the filly's chances despite being just a maiden winner. Speaking to the Racing Post he declared, “we've really liked her this spring and she's really come together... We wouldn't bring a maiden to a Group 3 for the fun of it.”

The Musidora was the third career start for the bay miss and the high-profile maiden break has sent notice to the bookmakers – who have all begun clipping prices for the Epsom Oaks, which may not do them much good.

As it turns out, connections are confident that the French Oaks is a more suitable contest and Princess Haya's contender looks to have found her limit in terms of distance by winning the 1m2f88y Group 3.