See The Fire justified odds-on favouritism to complete back-to-back runnings of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies’ Stakes.
The Andrew Balding-trained mare was a striking 12-length winner of the same 10-furlong Group 2 on the Knavesmire last spring and while she couldn’t quite repeat those heroics, the classy See The Fire (5/6 fav) travelled strongly under Oisin Murphy en route to a three-quarter-length defeat of Red Letter.
Multiple Group 1 winner Fallen Angel took the four-runner field along but See The Fire had her in her sights from the outset and although Charlie Appleby’s Diamond Rain briefly threatened towards the far side of the course, it was Irish hope Red Letter who threw down the strongest challenge in the final couple of furlongs.
In the end See The Fire had more than enough in the tank to hold her closest pursuer at bay, Murphy not having to apply maximum pressure as the five-year-old approached the winning line to become the first every back-to-back winner of the Middleton.
Murphy told ITV Racing: “It was so tactical, we went really, really steady. She held her head up but she didn’t really fight me, she kept breathing, and then it was a mad dash quite early in the straight. Often you don’t want to be the first one to commit but she showed an incredible kick and she got through the line really well.
“She really is outstanding at this course. Her dam beat Golden Horn in the Juddmonte International and she’s by Sea The Stars who won the Juddmonte International as well so she’s bred for York.
“I think so [that this is her year to win a Group 1], that sort of performance makes her elite.”
Balding’s wife and representative Anna Lisa said on Racing TV: “It’s such a brilliant decision (to keep her in training) as she’s such a lovely filly.
“Oisin got off her and just said she’s an absolute machine, so we’re delighted. She won the race last year very impressively but you never know. She’s not a straightforward filly so it’s big credit to the team.
“She’s got an entry at Epsom but who knows, hopefully it will be a good, long season ahead. Fingers crossed there’s another big one in her.”
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.