Dalkala wins Group 2 Middleton Stakes Dalkala was able to give weight and a beating to her seven rivals in the Group 2 Betfred Middleton Stakes at York. The French Oaks fifth had reportedly had trouble in making the journey to the Knavesmire but she showed no signs of any problems on the racecourse as she strode away to a convincing victory by a length. Joanna Morgan's Negotiate attempted to make the running with Ladys First in attendance but the race was to begin in earnest with a couple of furlongs to go as Cubanita attempted to poach a lead under Jim Crowley. The eye was drawn to Christophe Lemaire on the favourite, who refused to panic, and having sent his mount infront inside the final couple of furlongs, she readily repelled the challenge of Ambivalent. A delighted Lemaire said: "She stays very well and stays the trip so I took the lead a little bit early. "After that she managed to keep the rhythm. She deserved to be favourite today and she won well. We are very happy. "She is a very easy ride." Ladys First ran on again to be third with Starscope finishing well to be fourth. Negotiate finished last of the eight runners at 66/1, beaten just under 10 lengths.
