Diana winner in the Middleton Stakes

York, Thursday 18 May: The Dante Festival continues today in York. In the first Group 2 race, the older fillies are addressed in the Middleton Fillies Stakes (2nd race/15.25pm/140,000 pounds/2063m).

The John and Thady Gosden-trained Free Wind (Frankie Dettori) is seen as a winner after a break of just under a year. Most recently triumphant in the Lancashire Oaks (Group 2), the five-year-old will be tested by Aristia (Sean Levey), who finished a close second twelve months ago and later marked her most valuable score in the Prix Jean Romanet (Group 1). Sea Silk Road (William Buick) pleased when third in the Dubai Stakes (Group 2) before her break and, like Tuscany Belle (David Egan), who was narrowly ahead in the Prize of Diana (Group 1) and later moved to Roger Varian`s quarters, is among the closest favourites.

The Dante Stakes (4th race/16.35pm/175,000 pounds/2063m) is set for the Derby year. With Epictetus (Frankie Dettori) from the Gosden stable, the colours of George Strawbridge are again seen in front. His recent victory in Epsom at List level speaks in his favour. Flying Honours (William Buick) also has a good chance. The Godolphin won the Zetland Stakes (Group 3) last year against Dear My Friend (Andrea Atzeni). Continuous (Ryan Moore), Passenger (Richard Kingscote) and Canberra Legend (Daniel Muscutt) are all undefeated and should have something to say about the victory.