Short Skirt caused a surprise with her York victory

The 7-2 winner, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, ran on strongly after getting past Kieren Fallon's mount, who was the favourite for next month's Oaks.

Short Skirt found it tough to get a clear run but once she got into her stride, she looked good for victory.

It gave trainer Stoute his seventh win in the race.

But he refused to commit to a run in the Oaks, although the horse is now the 7-2 favourite for next month's Classic with Alexandrova next best on 4-1.

"Mick said he couldn't get going when he wanted to. When he got out she did pick up well though and she showed a nice turn of foot," said Stoute.

"It was only her third race and her second start was a bit of a non-event so she is learning all the time.

"I'm not sure about the Oaks for her though. I'll have to have a chat to John Greetham who owns her and also bred her.

Fallon believed Alexandrova got tired on her first start of the season. "She'd have needed it," he said. "She went there and got tired, hopefully that will have put her right."

Meanwhile, Steenberg, ridden by Michael Hills, made it fourth time lucky to triumph in the Duke of York Stakes.

Mark Tompkins' tough sprinter had previously finished sixth and second twice in the Group Two contest but this time managed to hold off Quito by half a length with Somnus another two back in third.

Michael Hills held Steenberg up as Etlaala and Beckermet set a furious pace considering the good to soft ground but as the leaders began to fade, Hills unleashed his mount with his run.

The 25-1 shot hit the front inside the final furlong and still had enough in reserve to repel the late challenge of the Tony Culhane-ridden runner-up.

Musidora Stakes
1. Short Skirt (MJ Kinane) 7-2
2. Alexandrova (K Fallon) 8-15f
6 ran. Dist: 1�, 2�