Middleton Stakes Guide

1. Lah Ti Dar

T - John Gosden

J - Frankie Dettori

Another classy individual trained by John Gosden and owned by Lord Lloyd Webber, this filly had a promising year to be proud of last term, landing a hat-trick of wins on her first three starts at Newbury, Newmarket and here at York last August.

On the Knavesmire she swept clear by ten lengths, before just being outstayed by Kew Gardens in the St Leger at Doncaster.

Third to Magical on Champions Day was still a great effort, and plenty more to come this term.

2. Mrs Sippy

T - David Simcock

J - Jamie Spencer

Narrowly denied a Group Three at Newmarket when last seen in September, and like many of these, will be a strong selection in the W/O favourite market.

Just pipped by Highgarden - who rapidly got the hang of things later in the season for John Gosden, sadly did not follow up her victory in Listed company at Longchamp.

Worthy contender, but up against a good one.

3. Nyaleti

T - Mark Johnston

J - Joe Fanning

Probably next best to Lah Ti Dar in this field, Nyaleti has been seen plenty of times as a juvenile and as a three-year-old last term.

Needs the favourite to be below par, but sound claims from her career to-date, finishing second to Worth Waiting in the Group Two Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket two weeks ago.

Never raced at York before, and the track should suit. Decent advisory.

4. Queen Of Time

T - Henry Candy

J - James Doyle

The only mare in the field (all others four-years-old) has the advantage of stall one - if there is one, but looks to have a tough task on her hands today even if running to a career max.

Placed in Listed and Group Three company last term, and not been seen to her best this term since reappearing at Kempton on the all-weather.

Down the field that day, well adrift of Awesometank at Goodwood - possibly one to draw a line through in this.

5. Rawdaa

T - Sir Michael Stoute

J - Ryan Moore

Ryan Moore jumps on Rawdaa who does have something to find on most of these but remains unexposed and could be a big potential improver for this top yard.

Third on reappearance to Agrotera at Kempton in Listed company was solid given her win back in October in handicap company at Newmarket.

Lightly raced, bold bid expected from connections.

6. Sun Maiden

T - Sir Michael Stoute

J - Jim Crowley

Sir Michael also has Sun Maiden in the Abdullah silks, who finished a good third in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last year.

However, struggled for form since then with three disappointing runs, and was last seen beating just two home in the Nayef Stakes at Newmarket in September - well adrift of Mrs Sippy.

Unlikely claims, but could hunt down winner into a place to potentially turn things around.