Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes (Fillies' And Mares' Group 2)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 2m 11.50s

(4)

Aristia²⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 102| CD

20/1

Useful filly who landed a listed event over C&D last autumn, Disappointing in France since but could well make a better 4yo, so not completely ruled out.

Form: 13819-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(1)

Forbearance²³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 107| C

15/2

Course winner who took her form to a new level when landing the Princess Royal Stakes at Newmarket on her final outing as a 4yo. Needs to step forward again and others have a fitness edge.

Form: 313131-

(2)

Lilac Road¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 105| D

15/2

Off the mark at listed level at Salisbury last August and backed it up with an excellent second to Ville de Grace in the Pride Stakes at Newmarket on final outing. Only fifth in Dahlia Stakes there on return, but can't be written off.

Form: 32912-5

(5)

Noon Star¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 105| BF| D

4/1

Beautifully-bred filly who was second to Oaks winner Snowfall in Musidora at this meeting last year. Underperformed in the Ribblesdale next time but right back on track with a listed success at Nottingham on reappearance. Strong claims.

Form: 31/126-1

(6)

Thunder Kiss²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 109

15/8

Smart, likeable mare, who returned ith a polished display when readily taking a listed event at Cork. That's arguably the best piece of form and she's open to more improvement, so excellent claims.

Form: 14221-1

(3)

Ville De Grace¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 108| D

5/2

Career best when winning 15-runner Pride Stakes at Newmarket on final 3yo outing and lost nothing in defeat when second in Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket 11 days ago. Solid claims.

Form: 57311-2

Forecasts

Thunder Kiss (15/8), Ville De Grace (5/2), Noon Star (4/1), Lilac Road (15/2), Forbearance (15/2), Aristia (20/1)

THUNDER KISS is a likeable mare who looked like she had improved over the winter when scoring readily in a listed event at Cork on reappearance, so she's narrowly preferred to Noon Star, who was second at this meeting last season and remains an excellent prospect. Ville de Grace can't be ignored in what should prove a strong renewal.