Former champion jockey Kieren Fallon came in for strong criticism from Lord Carnarvon, Queen Elizabeth's racing manager, when Flight Of Fancy could only manage fourth place to Time Away in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York yesterday.

An uneasy 7 to 4 favourite, Flight Of Fancy had just two horses behind her at the halfway stage and although Fallon produced a late run from the filly, she was unable to finish nearer than fourth in the recognised Vodafone Oaks trial.

"He rode an awful race, anyone watching would think so," said Lord Carnarvon. "She's not marked and she will probably beat those again in the Oaks."

Despite this two-lengths defeat, Flight Of Fancy will represent her owner on the Downs on the eve of Derby day, according to trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

"She will go to Epsom," said the trainer. "She finished fourth but she will get the trip well and will handle the track. I wasn't disappointed in her."

Asked if he was disappointed with Fallon, he replied pointedly: "Are you all geniuses or not."

One filly Flight Of Fancy is unlikely to face at Epsom is the winner, who completed the course in the fastest Musidora time, just over a second off the track record.

The Darshaan filly, who has suffered from leg problems in the past was also brought off the pace by Pat Eddery, who rode a superb race to get his mount home one and three-quarter lengths ahead of the fast-finishing Relish The Thought.

However, it is worries about her limbs and their ability to handle the Epsom undulations which is causing her trainer to think more in terms of a trip across the water for Oaks glory.

Whether that means the English Channel or the Irish Sea is as yet undecided but those who have backed the filly for Epsom are unlikely to be claiming a prize. "There are two problems," admitted winning handler John Dunlop, who is likely to be represented at Epsom by Saturday's promoted Lingfield winner, Silver Grey Lady.

"She had a chip out of her knee as a two-year-old. And when Michael Kinane rode her in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket he thought she struggled coming out of the dip and was unbalanced.

"We'll go away and think about it but she must be doubtful for Epsom."

Eddery, who is currently well ahead of the field in his bid to land a 12th jockeys' title, felt the French option would be the right choice for Time Away.

"She's a nice improving filly and will act at Chantilly," he said. "Mick said if she'd come out of the dip all right at Newmarket she would have won.

"She'll be ideal for the Ribblesdale after Chantilly."

Barry Hills was delighted with the performance of the runnerup. "She got a bit chopped for speed two out but she finished well," he said.

Eddery was completing a near 50 to 1 double following the first-race victory of Father Juninho in the Yorkshire Life Magazine Stakes (Handicap).

Alan Jarvis' charge came home a length and a quarter ahead of Maniatis, with Cracow a half length back in third.

Jarvis was quick to praise Eddery, saying: "Pat rode a peach of a race, he is better than ever and the old ones are the best!

"We'll now have to think about the Bessborough at Royal Ascot."