Bahr booked her Oaks place with a victory in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes on Knavesmire that increased the possibility of Cape Verdi challenging for the Derby.

She earned the right to run at Epsom with a cosy success over the odds-on Midnight Line yesterday to become a best-priced 4-1 second favourite for the fillies' Classic.

But though the Godolphin team immediately committed the ex-Barry Hills trained filly to the big race, options remain open for stablemate Cape Verdi, the brilliant winner of the 1,000 Guineas.

Racing manager Simon Crisford said both fillies could line up in the Oaks or Cape Verdi could be aimed at the Derby but a decision does not need to be made until May 30, the supplementary entry deadline for the colt's Classic.

Bahr came to York with plenty of stable confidence behind her having chased home Cape Verdi in the trials held by Godolphin before the team left Dubai.

Frankie Dettori only needed to push her out to gain a neck victory over the odds-on Midnight Line, who was conceding 2lb to her rival.But he indicated he would be hard-pressed to choose between Bahr, "a little thing with a big engine" who had been working "like a bomb", and Cape Verdi if they were to oppose each other at Epsom.

"They both worked together in the trial in Dubai and Cape Verdi beat her by about two and a half lengths," he said.

"As far as I'm concerned Bahr was going very well at home but it would make it much easier for me if the boss decides to split the two."If they both run in the Oaks I'll have to scratch my head and think about it."

York stewards administered a sharp shock to Kieren Fallon after the champion jockey had turned on the power.

Fallon was given a three-day suspension after a lively performance t odeliver Bawsian a half-length winner over Rafaello in the Shepherd Trophy.

The stewards decided that he was guilty of irresponsible riding for interfering with the unplaced Last Christmas, but the offence was classed as minor irresponsible riding, allowing Bawsian to keep the race.

Bawsian had appeared to blot his copybook when fourth at Chester last week after winning his first three races of the season, but Hambleton trainer Les Eyre said after yesterday's win: "He beat all the fancied horses at Chester and the three that finished ahead of him are probably all well-handicapped horses.

"This horse is tough as a teak but it's a big help having a strong jockey like Fallon to make his mind up for him."

Yesterday's York results:

2.05 (Yorkshire Life Magazine Stakes Handicap, 1m 3f 195yds): 1 Largesse (K Fallon) 9-2, 2 Crystal Falls 9-4 fav, 3 Dukham 20-1. 13 ran. Distances threequarters of a length, half length. Winner trained by John Berry.

2.35 ( Shepherd Trophy Rated Stakes, 1m 2f 85yds): 1 Bawsian (K Fallon) 11-2 jt fav, 2 Raffaello 9-1, 3 Carry The Flag 10-1. 11 ran. Distances half length, one and a quarter lengths. Winner trained by Les Eyre.

3.10 (Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, 1m 2f 85yds): 1 Bahr (L Dettori) 6-4, 2 Midnight Line 8-11 fav, 3 Anna 28-1. 4 ran. Distances neck, four lengths. Winner trained by Saeed bin Suroor.

3.40 (Guilbert Ofrex Rated Stakes Handicap, 6f): 1 World Premier (L Dettori) 17-2, 2 Shelering Sky 3-1 fav, 3 The Puzzler 12-1. 13 ran. Distances neck, two lengths. Winner trained by Clive Brittain.

4.10 (EBF Novice Fillies Stakes, 5f): 1, Pipalong (L Charnock 2-1 fav), 2 Bint Allayl 9-4, 3 Linar Prospector 8-1. 8 ran. Distances neck, three and a half lengths. Winner trained by Tim Easterby.

4.40 (World of Racing Exhibition Conditions Stakes, 1m 5f 194yds): 1 Sinon (D Holland) 5-2, 2 Elhayq 7-2, 3 Angstrom 5-1. Four ran. Distances half a length, 15 lengths. Winner trained by Mark Johnston.

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