Kalypso Katie belied the worst fears of her trainer Jeremy Noseda at York today to strengthen her position at the forefront of the Vodafone Oaks betting.
With the filly heavily in-season and unlikely to be suited by fast ground Noseda admitted that he had "virtually given up the ghost" before the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes.
But Kalypso Katie, easy-to-back at 100-30, showed the worries to be unfounded with a narrow victory that elevated her to as short as 3-1 favourite for the Oaks.
In a slow-run race she got up on the line to foil by a head the front-running Lady Upstage in the Group Three event.
The favourite High Walden appeared to be caught flat-footed before staying on to finish one and a half lengths away in third.
Kalypso Katie, still on offer at 5-1 with Victor Chandler for the Oaks, will come on hugely for this outing, according to her trainer.
"She was very much in season and if she'd been a broodmare we'd be having her covered tonight. I also felt the ground was quicker than she would have liked and everything was against her," said Noseda.
In addition to these problems Kalypso Katie missed six weeks' work during the winter.
"It's really a big thanks to all my staff _ they've done a great job to get her ready for this.
"This race will have done her the world of good and you will see a much better filly next time. When she's not in-season, she is mean and hungry and I much prefer her that way.
"I am sure one and a half miles will not be a problem and I'm looking forward to Epsom now."
Kalypso Katie is owned by Michael Tabor who bought her in a private deal after her previous win.
Tabor, the owner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Montjeu, also has a potentially top-notch middle distance colt in Ciro.
High Walden is 14-1 for the Vodafone Oaks but would have to be supplemented, at a cost of #15,000, if she was to take her chance at Epsom.
"They crawled and then sprinted and she's done nothing wrong. It's up the owner (Prince Khalid) whether to supplement her for the Oaks but I would think she would run very well," said trainer Henry Cecil.
Miletrian, who finished a close fourth, is also on her way to the Oaks.
"I was pleased enough with Miletrian, she ran well _ see you at Epsom!" said trainer Mick Channon.
