Gosden cheered by Joviality
Trainer John Gosden said straight after the Group Three race that the Princess Haya of Jordan-owned filly would miss the mile-and-a-half Classic and instead go for the French version over an extended 10 furlongs at Chantilly.
There was, however, some reflected glory for Oaks favourite Blue Bunting as she had Musidora runner-up Barefoot Lady back in fifth when winning the 1000 Guineas.
Despite the lack of Classic clues, Joviality and Barefoot Lady treated the Knavesmire crowd to a great finish.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Irish raider Amazing Beauty cut out the early running, but Ryan Moore was sending out the distress signals on her some way out and she soon weakened, eventually finishing last of the five.
Up front, it was nip and tuck throughout the closing stages, with Joviality (5-1), ridden by William Buick, just prevailing by a head.
“Barefoot Lady wasn’t going to go away – she was like a terrier and came back again,” said Gosden.
“We got lucky on the nod, but we really like the way our horse has developed this spring.
“That’s probably the limit of her stamina. She got headed where I stood and then came back on the line.
“She was definitely beaten 25 yards before the line. The first two are very nice fillies.
“We’re delighted with her. I’ve always liked her. I didn’t bring her from a maiden to this race just for fun.
“We’ll now look at taking her to Chantilly for the French Oaks.”
Buick added: “You’re never really sure, but I was hoping I’d got it because she deserved it.
“She’s a very nice filly, she’s my favourite in the stable.
“I’ve always liked her and you saw why. She’s got everything you want in a horse.”
