Shama can strike for Stoute in Musidora Stakes

A fascinating Investec Oaks trial on the opening day of York’s prestigious Dante meeting (2.45), and Shama is taken to come out on top and further enhance trainer Sir Michael Stoute’s superb record in the contest.

Stoute has won the race eight times, most recently 12 months ago with Liber Nauticus.

In Shama, he has an unexposed filly who looked an exciting prospect when building on her promising debut to bolt up in a 1m 2f maiden at Lingfield last month.

The daughter of Danehill Dancer made all and only had to be shaken up to quicken clear in a matter of strides and put to the race to bed.

Although what she beat is questionable, it was the manner of Shama’s success that really impressed.

It left the impression that there was even better to come, and Shama, who is owned by The Queen, is currently a 16/1 chance with Coral for the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday, June 6th.

Ahead of her in the market is Cambridge, who created a big impression when winning on her sole start as a juvenile at Nottingham.

That race was over a mile, and after travelling well in midfield Cambridge only had to be shaken up to lead inside the last and beat Regardez by 3/4 of a length.

The daughter of Rail Link, who is the 8/1 second favourite with Coral for the Investec Oaks, still has it to prove on the track but has been pleasing her handler who believes she will relish the step up to middle distances.

There is little doubt that Cambridge could be anything, but it’s going to be a tough ask for her to win first time up given the likely testing conditions on the Knavesmire and connections are worried about the ground.

Two other very interesting contenders are Madame Chiang and Queen Of Ice.

The former is trained by David Simcock, and won her sole start as a juvenile in the mud at Yarmouth in good style by four lengths despite looking very green.

The daughter of Archipenko will have not problems with underfoot conditions judged on that success, and the booking of the in-form Kieren Fallon certainly catches the eye .