Star Of Seville holds off Together Forever’s late burst to claim Musidora

Star Of Seville scrambled home to hand trainer John Gosden a fourth win in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York

Just like when scoring on her reappearance at Newbury, the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade was sent straight into the lead of the mile-and-a-quarter contest by Frankie Dettori.

As the race entered the closing stages, the 4-6 favourite looked to have put the race to bed when kicking a couple of lengths clear from the front.

But just as Star Of Seville appeared to have done enough, Aidan O'Brien's Together Forever, who was giving away 4lbs to her rivals, started to eat up the ground inside the final furlong and a half under a determined Ryan Moore drive.

The task proved to be just beyond last year’s Fillies’ Mile winner, with Star Of Seville clinging on to victory by a head, securing her ticket to the Investec Oaks on June 5th.

Dettori said: “I think she just lost concentration and I was waiting for the others a bit. I was worried as well, but then she pulled her neck out again. Even though she is good, she is a bit quirky, like most good ones are.

“I am sure she will get a mile and a half, as she is very good and very talented.

“There is plenty to come. John has only used this as a prep race, the big one comes in three weeks’ time.”

Gosden said: “Frankie said she was just waiting in front. That was a Group One filly coming at her. Luckily, when she got there she started going again. It is a long time to be in front for an inexperienced filly.

“She has gone from a maiden to a conditions race to winning a Group Three Musidora, so things are very positive.

“This is a nice filly, but she is still learning. She was a long time in front, but Ryan (Moore) is a master at timing his run to catch you late on.

“She had more up her sleeve if needed. We wanted an even pace, which is why we made the running.

“I don’t think Epsom will be a problem, as she is a well-balanced filly. The second is a Group One winner by Galileo and is no mug.

“We might go to the Breakfast With The Stars event (at Epsom), which will give us something to talk about over baked beans.”

MV Magnier, speaking on behalf of connections of Together Forever, said: “She will hopefully come on for the run, but she has run very well.

“Ryan said he thinks she will have no problems staying further. She was giving the winner 4lbs. We will get her home first and see how she is before deciding if we go to the Oaks.”