On Wednesday, at York Race Course in England, Passage of Time, in the hands of Richard Hughes, won the Musidora Stakes, the last major trial on the road to the Epsom Oaks. On yielding ground, the winner's time was 2.11.78 over one mile and 2 1/2 furlongs (2050m approx).

There were only five fillies in the Musidora. Passage of Time was the 5/6 favorite. She had the lead with two furlongs out and had to find more to beat back a strong bid from Sweet Lilly and Jamie Spencer. Jockey Hughes had to work hard to win by a neck. Winner of the Criterium de Saint Cloud in France last year when beating the highly regarded Soldier of Fortune, Passage of Time has won five races in a row. She finished fifth in her freshman debut. Passage of Time is by Dansili out of Clepsydra, a Saddler's Wells mare.

Henry Cecil, trainer of Passage of Time, expressed cautious optimism. "She will come on after this race. She will be much fitter at Epsom (for the Oaks on June 1) and she will take a lot of beating."

Jockey Richard Hughes who has ridden with distinction in India, was ecstatic. "She tends to lose focus on the lead. I had to remind her and she quickened. I am very hopeful about the Oaks."

Sweet Lilly will not go in the Oaks. British bookmakers reacted to the Musidora result with alacrity. Passage of Time was slashed to 9/4 for the Oaks.

The Dante Stakes at York on Thursday went to Authorized, the 10-11 favorite. It was a four-length victory in the one mile 2 1/2 furlong-race and the time was 2.11.54 on soft to good ground. Frankie Dettori was the jockey.

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam said, "I'm relieved. He (Authorized) will improve. All of my horses do."

Jockey Dettori, yet to win the Epsom Derby, was delighted. "When I asked him to quicken, the response was immediate, He has the class and can cope with Epsom's undulations. I cannot be more pleased. If I am not riding for Godolphin (my employer) I will go with Authorized."

Authorized was third in his debut. In his second outing, he was victorious in the Racing Post Trophy in a 14-horse field. The Dante was the third career start for Authorized. He is by Montjeu. His dam is Fussie who is by Saumarez. Authorized's road map to Epsom is the route that Motivator took in 2004-2005.

The Epsom Derby will be run at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 2, 2007.

Chantilly hosts the Prix du Jockey Club, the French Derby, on Sunday, June 3.