3 minute read
Minding's best chance of winning an Epsom Classic may yet be in the Derby as John Gosden's So Mi Dar absolutely thumped her Musidora rivals to emerge as a major threat to the Aidan O'Brien-trained Oaks favourite.
On a line through Musidora runner-up Fireglow, fourth in the 1,000 Guineas - four and a quarter lengths behind Minding, there is just a quarter of a length between the two superstar fillies and the Dubawi daughter of Dar Re Mi is a best-priced 11-4 for the Investec-sponsored fillies' Classic, with Minding eased at the head of the market and a best-priced 5-4.
The bare form stacks up, but the visual impression was extraordinary. Settled in rear, So Mi Dar shot to the front, powered clear and never relented - stretching impressively away from her rivals with every stride to dish out the most emphatic of beatings.
'I've got a good one'
"She did everything right," said jockey Frankie Dettori, who was completing the middle leg of a 34-1 treble. "She's very light on her feet, she travels, she bridged the gap very easily, and she quickens and stays. She's got a good brain and she wants to please you. She's lovely.
"It's all down to Minding now. How good is she? We don't know, but I know I've got a good one."
Already a winner over Epsom's unique twists and cambers, and having comfortably accounted for subsequent Lingfield Derby Trial winner Humphrey Bogart and Dee Stakes scorer Viren's Army in the Investec Derby Trial, all roads now lead back to the Oaks for the unbeaten Andrew and Madeleine Lloyd-Webber-owned filly.
Gosden compares So Mi Dar and Minding
Winning trainer John Gosden said: "I'm delighted with her. She's a lovely filly. The golden plan was to get a lead and to settle her, because she's one of those who is very generous. I said I didn't mind if she sat last, because she has a great turn of foot, and I couldn't be more pleased with the way she quickened up.
"The second [Fireglow] finishing second was very helpful, so we are very happy, and if we go to the Oaks it will be a hell of a race with Minding.
"I'm very clear in my mind that the best two-year-old I saw last year was Minding, and the best three-year-old I've seen this year is also Minding. I think she's head and shoulders above the colts and the other fillies on the book, and this is probably the only filly who can give her a proper race."
He added: "We'll stay because mum [Dar Re Mi - also trained by Gosden] stayed well, but Minding is a very relaxed filly and I don't think we'll find that a mile and a half at Epsom is going to be a problem for her.
"This filly could do no more than win hands and heels by four. She's learned a lot from racing and is very progressive. She likes Epsom and the mile and a half will suit her. It might be a more exciting race than the Derby."