Six fillies have been declared for the Musidora Stakes, York‘s Oaks trial, on Wednesday. The latest in a series of Classic prep races features hopefuls from some big yards. One of those is Aidan O’Brien‘s, who is beginning the process of whittling down his Epsom Derby squad.
Here is the racing news today rounded up for Tuesday.
Musidora Stakes and O’Brien quotes provide latest Epsom Classic hints
A promising field of six will contest the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday. The contest is the primary Oaks trial on the Knavesmire, providing one of the final clues for the fillies’ Classic at Epsom. Legacy Link has long been well-regarded by the Gosdens and Juddmonte. However, Ballydoyle have farmed the colts’ and fillies’ trials so far in 2026. Moments Of Joy will be Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore’s representative on Wednesday. (Racing TV)
O’Brien has confirmed the intentions for his Derby hopefuls over the next few weeks too. Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard are both on course for Epsom. The former is the clear favourite after winning the Chester Vase last week. Impressive Dee Stakes hero Constitution River appears more set for the French Derby, though. Conversely, were Ballydoyle to decide to send him to Epsom, O’Brien suggested Ryan Moore “would find it very hard to get off Benvenuto Cellini,” but that “if Constitution River went he would.” (At The Races)
13 horses confirmed for Lockinge Stakes
The Group 1 race this week is the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. 13 horses have been confirmed for the race, including a supplementary entry. That horse is Mississippi River, who Aidan O’Brien has confirmed as a pacemaker for his other duo. The Lion In Winter and Expanded have also been put forward for the 1m showpiece. Ante-post favourit Damysus and impressive Sandown Mile hero Opera Ballo are also in the mix. (Irish Times)
Gaelic Warrior Timeform’s Horse of the Season
Brilliant Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior has been named Timeform’s Horse of the Season. The eight-year-old was a sensational winner of the Cheltenham Festival’s showpiece. He then followed up in equally impressive fashion at Punchestown when demolishing old rival Fact To File by 26 lengths. Timeform gave him a rating of 180, which sees him just 1lb below two-time Gold Cup winning stablemate Galopin Des Champs’ best. (Sporting Life)
32-day ban for Toby McCain-Mitchell
Grand National rider Toby McCain-Mitchell has been banned for 32 days for a series of whip offences. Nine of those days will be suspended for either 150 rides or six months, with him not serving them should he avoid breaking the rules again. McCain-Mitchell’s ride abord Melon at Aintree saw him overuse the whip twice above the permitted level. It was his fourth such offence in the space of just four months. (Racing Post)