Smartly away under Joe Fanning, Secret History set off at a decent clip as 11-10 shot Mona Lisa was settled on the rails by Kieren Fallon.

Secret History (4-1) was still bowling along in front turning for home and Fanning just quickened up about three furlongs out as Fallon rapidly had to go from cruise control to all-out drive on his mount.

It was left to Quickfire to launch a challenge, but despite getting to within a couple of lengths at one stage she never looked like catching the winner.

Secret History had bounded five lengths clear at the line, with Play Me staying on for black type in third.

Fanning said he felt the conditions on the Knavesmire had been in his mount’s favour.

“I always ride her up with the pace and she’s straightforward,” he said. “She picked up well when I asked her and she loves that ground. She’s improving all the time.”

With winning trainer Mark Johnston on duty with Attraction in Hong Kong, it was life to wife Deirdre to consider the possibility of supplementing the winner for the Oaks – a move that would cost £20,000 if done by the Saturday before the June 3 race.

“I know Mark heard the commentary in Hong Kong and he is delighted, but it would be something we need to talk about. If there was a downpour for five days before the race then maybe it’s something we should consider,” she said.

“The ground does seem to be the key. She really enjoys a bit of cut and if we can we’ll keep her to it.

“She is in the Ribblesdale back here if she doesn’t go to Epsom. Joe knows this filly inside-out, so I didn’t need to give him any instructions and he gave her a lovely ride.

“It’s great for her breeding value and for the owners, who only paid 25,000 guineas for her. What a bargain!”

Those owners are father-and-son Cyril and Jon Shack and friend Gawain Barnard, who have enjoyed successes with the likes of fillies Swiss Maid and Madam Gay in years gone by.

Ladbrokes introduced Secret History into the Oaks betting at 16-1. Coral offer 20-1 and Cashmans 25-1.

The prices reflect the fact that beyond 1000 Guineas winner Virginia Waters - who is far from a certain runner in any case – and Lingfield Trial winner Cassydora, the Oaks betting is a minefield full of uncertain runners and unconvincing winners.

Quickfire’s performance all but ruled her out of the reckoning, with the French version over a shorter trip seemingly a more likely target.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, said: “Mick (Kinane) thought the mile and a quarter would be about as much as she’d want.

“But she’s run nicely and probably a faster pace would have suited her. I don’t think the ground was a problem. She’s questionable for the Oaks.”

Of the disappointing Mona Lisa, trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “She just got tired in the soft ground.

“Obviously I’d thought she’d run better, but she’s having a right blow and she’ll improve.”

The Ballydoyle trainer then added to the paucity of serious Oaks contenders by confirming that Kitty O’Shea would miss the race as she would not be ready in time.

That may well encourage connections to take the Epsom plunge with Virginia Waters and pay the supplementary fee, provided she accquits herself well in the Irish 1000 Guineas on Saturday week.