Midday to have too much class for Middleton rivals
Published:Favourites tend to have a fine record in the Middleton Stakes and this only adds to the reason why Midday can stamp her authority on her York opposition to land a popular victory.
Although the Group Two contest has only been won by a five-year-old on two occasions since 1997, Midday should prove a class apart from her seven rivals and ensure a sixth favourite obliges in the race in the last 11 years.
Midday has experience of the race after finishing second behind Sariska last year and then returned to York to secure victory on the Knavesmire in the Yorkshire Oaks.
She is well fancied in the York odds at 10/11 and despite conceding weight all round, she should seal a cosy victory, particularly with the trip and ground conditions expected to be well suited.
The other Group One winner in the field is Music Show and this form could mean she represents decent each-way value at 13/2.
However, with the horse attempting 1m2f for the first time, Henry Cecil has a good chance of having the first two past the post as he also runs Timepiece.
Timepiece was slow to produce her best form last season, but she won well on her final start in a listed race at Newmarket and if she comes on for this run, she looks good value for a place at 6/1.
Of the other challengers, Sir Michael Stoute’s runners always have to factor into considerations and Nouriya is another runner taking part to have previously won on the Knavesmire.
Sajjhaa makes her first start for Godolphin and takes a deserved step up in class having triumphed in a Group Three in Italy on her final start last season, while a good winter at the yard of David Elsworth does not leave Myplacelater without an each-way chance.
A £30 stake on Timepiece winning the Middleton Stakes would return £990. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
