Filly-mare battle at York

The intergenerational battle between Alexandrova and Peeping Fawn in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks on Wednesday is also an intramural conflict between the two best fillies in Aidan O'Brien's barn. The 1 1/2-mile test was won last year by Alexandrova, who will be running for the first time since Mandesha ended her three-race Group 1 winning streak in the Prix de l'Opera last Oct. 1. At the same time, Peeping Fawn will be looking to extend a three-race Group 1 streak of her own in York's $575,000 filly and mare contest.

Peeping Fawn, 3, has run off consecutive victories in the Pretty Polly Stakes, the Irish Oaks, and the Nassau Stakes. She would appear to have a conditioning edge over her 4-year-old stablemate, who will be making her first start in 325 days.

Johnny Murtagh will, as usual, be aboard Peeping Fawn while Michael Kinane has the call on Alexandrova.

Challenging the Ballydoyle duo are the Michael Stoute-trained Allegretto, last year's Yorkshire Oaks third who has beaten males twice this season in a pair of two-mile Group 2's, the Henry II Stakes and the Goodwood Cup, and Silkwood, a Singspiel 3-year-old coming off a five-length victory in the 1 1/2-mile Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot for trainer Michael Jarvis.