Racing: The Aidan O'Brien-trained Alexandrova landed her third straight Group One victory when running out a hugely impressive winner of the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York today.
Mick Kinane was content to settle the Sadler's Wells filly well off the early pace before taking closer order as the field entered the final three furlongs.
When he asked her to quicken approaching the final quarter-mile the response was immediate and the 4-9 favourite eased clear of the chasing pack to score by a comfortable three and a half lengths.
Short Skirt (11-2) had made most of the running until Alexandrova swept past and she kept on well under Robert Winston to secure second spot.
Allegretto stayed on late in the day to claim third, a further three quarters of a length away.
Kinane said: "She's a very talented filly. That made my life simple and we were always going to be at the back, biding our time. She's very quick and gets there very quickly."
O'Brien said: "She's a very classy filly and has got a great cruising speed and turn of foot - she's very special. Mick had extreme confidence in her. She's got great natural speed and she gets there so easily.
"She does laze when she gets there early and Kieren (Fallon) learned a lot about her that day (second to Short Skirt in the Musidora).
"This filly has an extra gear that makes her able to pick up horses and I think that's what makes her special.
"I think John (Magnier), Michael (Tabor) and Derek (Smith) will discuss what's next but by the sound of what they are saying she will go for the fillies' race on Arc day (Prix de l'Opera)."
Mudawin, sent off at odds of 100-1, came with a late surge to win a thrilling renewal of the totesport Ebor on the same card.
Jane Chapple-Hyam's charge emerged from the clouds under John Egan to claim the valuable handicap with a head to spare from Glistening.
Young Mick was third, a short-head further adrift, while Geordieland was fourth.
Jimmy Fortune brought the William Haggas-trained Conquest with a well-timed run to land the spoils in the Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes.
Fortune settled the Invincible Spirit colt just in behind a strong early pace before asking him for maximum effort as the field entered the final quarter-mile.
Despite not enjoying the clearest of runs, the 9-2 shot found plenty for pressure and pounced well inside the distance to record a three-quarter length verdict over Kevin Ryan's Wi Dud (5-1). PA