Beautiful Love second best in G2 Middleton Stakes

Beautiful Love secured G2 Black Type for a second time this season with a staying-on second behind impressive winner See The Fire in the Middleton Stakes at York, UK, on Thursday, 15 May.

Making a quick return after finishing third behind Cinderella’s Dream in the G2 Dahlia Stakes, Beautiful Love soon disputed fifth on the outside of Ambiente Amigo as Doha led the eight runners.

The Charlie Appleby-trained filly found herself seventh as the pace lifted three furlongs out but started to make good progress when See The Fire stormed into a decisive lead a furlong and a half from home.

See The Fire demonstrated her superiority, crossing the line 12 lengths clear, with Beautiful Love collaring Royal Dress for second in the final strides of the extended 10-furlong contest.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was a good run from Beautiful Love. I think a step up to a mile and a half will suit, so we will map out a few options for her. It was a solid effort, although there was only one winner in the race.”