While there is not a Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) or Sariska (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in Thursday's G2 Betfred Middleton S. at York, there is one of 2015's fastest-progressing fillies in Journey (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). George Strawbridge's homebred daughter of his 2006 G1 Prix Royal-Oak heroine Montare (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) came alive when winning Newmarket's Listed Princess Royal S. by eight lengths over 12 furlongs in September, and proved that front-running masterclass was no fluke when subsequently second to Simple Verse (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S. on Ascot's Champions Day fixture the following month. She had two lengths to spare over the third Beautiful Romance (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) on the latter occasion, and that Godolphin representative, who was previously fifth behind Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}) in the G1 Prix Vermeille at Longchamp in September, reappears to renew rivalry.
“Beautiful Romance is a filly that I like a lot and is doing well,” trainer Saeed bin Suroor said. “Her last piece of work went well and this distance will suit her. We would like to see the forecast rain arrive, as good or good-to-soft ground will be fine for her. She improved a lot throughout last season and we hope that she can be even better this year, although she will come on for the run.”
Luca Cumani interestingly brings his homebred Koora (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) back in trip after she signed off her 3-year-old campaign with a win over a mile and a half in Newbury's G3 St Simon S. in October. “She's ready to have her first start of the season. I am pleased with her condition,” the veteran Newmarket handler explained. “It's a tough race, but we hope for the best.”
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