Betfred Middleton Stakes
Group 2, York 14:55 £125,000 added, Fillies, 4yo plus, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1
Thursday 17th May 2018

1 Coronet 2/1F
2 Horseplay 10/1
3 Smart Call 8/1
7 ran Distances: 1½l, 1l, 1¼l
Time: 2m 8.01s (slow by 1.01s)

Coronet wins with ease for Frankie Dettori and John Gosden

Coronet
© Racehorse Photos

John Gosden’s Coronet won the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer and ran several fine races in defeat, most notably chasing home esteemed stablemate Enable in the Yorkshire Oaks on the Knavesmire in August.

She went on to finish fifth in the St Leger and third on Champions Day at Ascot, and she was dropped in class and distant on her seasonal bow.

Frankie Dettori cut a confident figure in the saddle throughout the 10-furlong Group Two and committed for home over two furlongs out.

The 2-1 favourite idled in front, but was ultimately far too good for her rivals, passing the post a length and a half clear of Horseplay.

Dettori said: “She’s the best ride. She’s brilliant, she’s honest and she’s got an engine.

“It’s just nice to be around her. When you get up on a morning and see your name down to ride her it’s a privilege.”

Gosden said: “That was a great return. She’s been training nicely.

“We were perfectly aware that a mile and a quarter on top of the ground is not her favourite, but she did it very well and when we step her up to a mile and a half she’ll be even better.

“She’s in the Hardwicke Stakes (at Royal Ascot) and that is there for her to look at. If not, there’s the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock.”

Betfred Middleton Stakes (Fillies' Group 2)
£125,000 added, 4yo plus, 1m 2f 56y, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good to Firm