THREE much-fancied candidates for the Oaks will be in opposition in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes on York's opening day, the consequence of which could be a major change in the market for the second fillies' Classic at Epsom.

Dar Re Mi, from the John Gosden yard, is currently at 7-1 for the Juddmonte sponsored Oaks, the same price as Moonstone, trained by Aidan O'Brien, while Cape Amber, from the Peter Chapple-Hyam stable, is around 10-1 generally.

The outcome of today's extended 10-furlong race seems certain to have a big influence on that betting table, one way or another. There are five other runners, any one of whom could upset the expectations of the trio and, as all eight contenders are lightly raced, the way is open for one or maybe two to stake serious claims for the Classic on June 6.

Two of the protagonists, Moonstone and Cape Amber, have been on a racetrack only once, the former last season and the latter last month.

Cape Amber was a comfortable winner of a seven-furlong maiden at Newmarket last August and is highly thought of at home. She has enough stamina on her dam's side to back her trainer's insistence that she will stay the Oaks mile-and-a-half. That should become clearer after today.

Moonstone, who did not race as a two-year-old, finished second at Leopardstown last month but is expected to put that form well behind her and, as many of the O'Brien horses have shown this season, that will mean posting her credentials for the big event to come.

Then there is Dar Re Mi, one of many good three-year-olds in the Gosden stable. Second over seven furlongs in a maiden last year, she was a seven-length winner of a similar race over 10 furlongs at Sandown. Stamina seems to be her strong suit and she, too, is highly rated by her connections.

Of the others, Cruel Sea, trained by the in-form Barry Hills, and Sovereigns Honour, who will surely improve for her opening outing, look well capable of making an impact.

It is altogether an intriguing trial and, while these races do not always produce clear-cut evidence, this one ought to come up with a clue or two for the Classic. Dar Re Mi (2.40) may be the one to send out the most positive message.

The quick conditions will ensure a blistering pace in the Hearthstead Homes Stakes over six furlongs. Many familiar sprinters are in this highly competitive Group 2 affair. Soldier's Tale, who ran well to be third in this last year, handles most surfaces, while Assertive, just pipped by Zidane in the listed Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month, looks certain to go close again.

Linda Perratt's Big Timer is well due his place in the field and rarely runs a bad race, but Sonny Red would normally prefer a bit of cut in the ground.

US Ranger appeals greatly now he is back to sprinting trips, but I just prefer Galeota (3.10), even although he is drawn high and the evidence of recent seasons is in favour of low numbers.

In the opening Birch & Sons Construction Stakes, Gulf Express (1.40) has a major chance of snatching his first win of the season over his ideal trip.

Timmy Murphy could have a double at Perth, with Commercial Express (8.10) in the Scotbet Handicap Hurdle, and Good Old Days (8.40) in the Scotbet Handicap Chase.

The sponsors of those races, Scotbet, formerly known as Morrisons Bookmakers, are providing a £1000 bonus to the connections of the first Scottish-trained horse past the post in the hurdle event.

The bonus, which will also be applied to Scotbet races at each in a series of four other Scottish tracks this year, forms part of a new initiative aimed at promoting racehorse ownership in Scotland.