FIRST-SEASON trainer Jack Channon is excited to be in the mix for tomorrow’s Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York, where his stable will be represented by promising filly Gather Ye Rosebuds.

The daughter of Zoffany gave a stunning debut display at Newbury last month when she won a mile and a quarter maiden by no less than nine and a half lengths. Channon is hoping his charge can now take the next step in her career by proving herself stakes-class in the Knavesmire’s extended 10-furlong Group 3, worth £130,000.

He said: “It was a great result first time and she put in what looks like an outstanding performance. She’s comfortably beaten a well-touted field, albeit on softer ground than she’ll encounter on Wednesday. But she couldn’t have been more impressive.

“I feel like, mentally and physically, she’s improved from that run. And if she can replicate that sort of level of form, then you’d like to think that she goes there with a great chance.

“She’s a big filly that’s maturing day in, day out. She hadn’t quite lost her coat at Newbury, but she’s really shining now. She’s started to flourish in the last three weeks and I couldn’t be happier with the way all her work and everything like that’s gone.”

Channon has made a fine start to his own career since taking over the training licence at West Ilsley from his father Mick, for the 2023 campaign. There are plenty of winners on the board already for the rookie handler, who sent out Caernarfon to finish fourth in the 1,000 Guineas. Channon added: “We were delighted with Caernarfon’s run – she was my first Group runner in the UK, Gather Ye Rosebuds will be my second. And it’s very exciting. She hasn’t proven she’s stakes-class yet, albeit it being a very impressive maiden win. So, she’s got a lot of questions to answer – but hopefully she’s got the answers.

“Whether she’s good enough or not, it’s exciting to at least have a horse that you feel like you might be able to compete a bit with the big boys. It’s just nice to hopefully have something good enough to highlight the fact, given the opportunity with the right stock, that you can produce the goods.”

Gather Ye Rosebuds is one of eight runners in the field. The likely favourite is Newmarket maiden winner Infinite Cosmos, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who has won the Musidora Stakes no fewer than eight times.

Novakai brings strong Group 1 form into the race. Champion Trainer at York last year, Karl Burke, sends his charge who was second in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket, last autumn.