A filly bred in one of racing’s most celebrated families strengthened her Classic credentials at York on Wednesday as Legacy Link produced a determined display to land the Group Three Musidora Stakes and move firmly into contention for next month’s Oaks at Epsom Downs.
The performance immediately elevated expectations around the Juddmonte homebred, who is closely related to the unbeaten champion Frankel through her dam Chiasma, a full-sister to the legendary colt.
Ridden by Colin Keane, the daughter of Dubawi was making her first appearance of the season in the extended 10-furlong contest after three outings as a juvenile, including a fourth-place finish in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket last autumn.
The 6-4 favourite raced keenly in the early stages, sitting third in the five-runner field before moving smoothly into contention entering the final furlong. She briefly surrendered the advantage when challenged by Felicitas, but rallied gamely under pressure to regain control and score by three-quarters of a length.
For trainers John Gosden and Thady Gosden, it was a record-equalling ninth victory in the Musidora Stakes, a recognised stepping stone towards Oaks success.
John Gosden admitted the filly’s freshness had made life difficult in the early part of the race but was encouraged by the way she finished.
“She was a little fresh. It was her first run of the year and she broke out of the gate and had nothing outside of her,” Gosden said.
“She then settled into a rhythm halfway round into the straight and I thought she came through to win the race and then, not having had a run, she literally needed a second wind.
“It was a great battle between two very nice fillies. She has come out and finished well on top. She showed a lot of courage there and for a first run of the season, I thought it was a big run.”
The Newmarket trainer indicated that the Group One Oaks at Epsom Downs Racecourse now appears the likely next destination rather than a possible trip to Chantilly for the French Oaks.
“I will talk to Colin and see what he thinks but the way she finished and the way she galloped out, I think it would be more likely Epsom,” he added.
Keane was equally encouraged by the filly’s professionalism despite signs of inexperience.
“I thought it was a good performance. She’s still a baby and quite green — she was on the wrong leg for most of the race today,” the jockey said.
“But when we needed her she was there, and I think she is a filly that will appreciate going a bit further as well. I think we may see the best of her going a mile and a half.”
Legacy Link’s pedigree is certain to attract attention in the build-up to the Oaks. Her dam Chiasma, also trained by the Gosdens, is by Galileo out of Kind, making her a full-sister to Frankel. Legacy Link is Chiasma’s first foal.
The Musidora has regularly produced leading Oaks contenders in recent decades, with Sariska, Snowfall and Soul Sister all completing the York-Epsom double this century.
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