Co-trainer John Gosden expressed his admiration for Legacy Link's resilience after the filly secured a hard-fought victory in the Group Three Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York, just moments after he confirmed that stablemate I'm The One would miss the Betfred Oaks.
Legacy Link's Triumph on the Knavesmire
The Newmarket handler witnessed Legacy Link battle tenaciously against the previously unbeaten Felicitas, with the 6-4 favourite appearing to be on the verge of defeat before rallying to prevail. This victory extended jockey Colin Keane's impressive track record to four wins from 16 races.
Legacy Link, a relative of the legendary Frankel, has been a significant market mover in ante-post lists for the fillies' Classic scheduled for June 5. Just a week ago, she was available at 25-1, but following this performance, bookmakers have slashed her odds to 5-1, making her the second favourite behind Amelia Earheart.
Gosden's Assessment of the Performance
Reflecting on the race, Gosden senior remarked: "She showed a lot of courage there and for a first effort of the season, I thought it was a big run. She settled into a rhythm halfway round into the straight and I thought she came through to win the race. Then, not having had a run, she literally needed a second wind. It was a great battle between two very nice fillies."
I'm The One Ruled Out of the Oaks
Earlier, Gosden had dashed the hopes of punters who had backed I'm The One at odds as long as 50-1, confirming that the filly would not participate in the Oaks. "I think it's important people know, she didn't come out the race at Chester quite as we'd hoped so I don't think she'll be going to the Oaks," he explained via the Racing Post.
I'm The One had been backed down to 7-2 by William Hill before her defeat at Chester led to her odds being lengthened. The Gosdens will now assess Amelia Earheart through the Cheshire Oaks runner-up.
Historical Context and Betting Reaction
John Gosden, who trains in partnership with his son Thady, was the last handler to achieve the Musidora-Oaks double with Soul Sister in 2023, ridden by Frankie Dettori. Legacy Link, bred in the purple as a daughter of elite stallion Dubawi and Chiasma (a full-sister to Frankel), now carries strong hopes of replicating that feat.
Coral's John Hill commented: "Soul Sister was the last filly to win the Musidora Stakes and then prevail in the Oaks in 2023, and her trainer John Gosden has a strong shot at completing that double again with Legacy Link, who is now just 5-1 to score in the British Classic."
