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Page last updated at 15:10 GMT, Wednesday, 13 May 2009 16:10 UK

Musidora glory for filly Sariska

Sariska and Jamie Spencer power to the winning line at York
Sariska and Jamie Spencer power to the winning line at York

Sariska ran out an impressive winner of York's Musidora Stakes and quickly established a footing as the new market leader for the Oaks at Epsom.

Michael Bell's filly was sent off at 3-1 having been beaten into fourth on her seasonal reappearance at Newbury.

But here she always travelled well just behind the leaders - before jockey Jamie Spencer challenged Star Ruby, who finished second at 100-30.

Enticement was sent off 7-4 favourite but found the ground too fast.

Spencer said of the winner: "She's a little sweetheart and I've always liked her. Some people were disappointed at Newbury, but I was over the moon with her really.

"The ground was the only issue today as there was no doubting her stamina. Today was the first time she's got a smack and she responded. She'll benefit from the experience."

606: DEBATE

Bell added: "It was a reasonably cosy call for her to miss the Guineas as it would all have happened a bit quick for her and all her dam did was stay, stay and stay.

"We've always been fairly emphatic that the further she went the better she would be. I love her and she is the apple of my eye.

"She lost a few friends after the Fred Darling but she showed at Newmarket last back-end what a good filly she is and she has proven it again today."

In a field of just six runners, Frankie Dettori cajoled Pachattack to set the pace, with Star Ruby settled in behind and Enticement mid-division alongside Sariska.

As the race got competitive, the favourite soon ran out of juice, while Spencer brought Sariska home with a strong charge down the centre of the track.

Star Ruby still posed a threat at the furlong pole, but Sariska had the edge, coming home three and three-quarter lengths clear and proving hard to pull up after the race.

Her victory saw her cut to 7-2 favourite from 9-1 with Boylesports and Paddy Power for the Oaks.



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09 Apr 11 |  Horse Racing


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