RACING: YORK: Mona Lisa could tighten Aidan O'Brien's grip on the Vodafone Oaks if she opens her account in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York today. The daughter of Giant's Causeway is one of the best maidens in training judged on her fourth in the Fillies' Mile at Ascot last autumn.

She did end her two-year-old campaign on a disappointing note, however, when well-beaten in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Lone Star Park. She is a best-priced 33 to 1 for the Epsom fillies' Classic while her stablemate Virginia Waters, winner of the 1,000 Guineas, heads the market at around 3 to 1.

Said O'Brien: "We gave her a lot of time to recover (after she ran in America) and this will be her first start of the season. She's been working away the last couple of months. She's ready to start and will improve for the run."

The other Irish-trained filly among the six-strong field for today's Group Three contest over an extended 10 furlongs is Fuerta Ventura, who has won all her three starts this season.

The Ken Condon-trained filly was two and a half lengths behind Mona Lisa when they finished second and third behind subsequent Newmarket 1,000 sixth Saoire in a Leopardstown maiden last August.

Johnny Murtagh will be back in action at York today after giving up his only ride at Yarmouth yesterday. Murtagh was thrown from the James Fanshawe-trained Buster Hyvonen when his mount reared in the stalls before the closing 10-furlong maiden.

IRISH 1,000 GUINEAS: Damson could still make the Boylesports Irish 1,000 Guineas on Sunday week after scoping clean yesterday. The filly was forced to miss the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket because of a dirty scope and now trainer David Wachman faces a race against time to ensure she is ready.