'Very exciting' See The Fire sets up Group 1 targets with stunning Middleton Stakes success

Andrew Balding believes he has finally worked the oracle with See The Fire as she set up a return to Group 1 company with a demolition job in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes.

The Jeff Smith-owned four-year-old put a below-par return at Sandown behind her with an effortless 12-length win under Oisin Murphy to make it two from two at York in a Group 2 contest won by Arc heroine Bluestocking 12 months ago.

"She obviously relishes this trip and we made a bit of a bollocks of campaigning her last year when we didn't step up in distance until it was too late," said Balding. "She really found her feet after the Eclipse last year and ran really well on Champions Day. There's lots to look forward to.

"We've always had a very high opinion of her and she's improved since last year. We were a little disappointed with her run at Sandown, but she probably needed it as she travelled well but didn't quite get home."

See The Fire: effortless winner under Oisin MurphyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Smith's colours were famously carried to Juddmonte International glory by See The Fire's dam Arabian Queen a decade ago, and that race could be on the radar for the Middleton winner.

Balding added: "She's very exciting. We always fancied going back for the Nassau as she was second in it last year – that's the primary objective. If that goes well we might consider coming back here in August."

Balding and Murphy doubled up in the Listed Westow Stakes over 5f with Tropical Storm, who was cut to 12-1 (from 25) by Paddy Power for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

The winning trainer said: "We've got options at Ascot and we've got to see if we chance him over six furlongs or go against the older horses over five in the King Charles III Stakes. It's a nice problem to have."

American express

Paul Mulrennan is adamant American Affair's impressive win in the 5f handicap will propel him into becoming a Group-level sprinter.

The Jim Goldie-trained five-year-old backed up his win in the Scottish Sprint Cup with a length success and could step up in class for the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock this month.

"It's probably his last go in a handicap," said Mulrennan. "He's done nothing but improve and started off last year in the mid-70s, but the more racing he's had the sharper he's got. He shuts down when he hits the front and is still quite raw.

American Affair: won the openerCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"Jim said we'd learn a lot more about him as there's no easy five-furlong race here. He's proved he's up to going to the next level."

American Affair was cut to 33-1 (from 100) for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot by Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power and Coral, although Mulrennan knows he needs to step up again to become a Group 1 sprinter.

"He's still got a way to catch up with Mecca's Angel," added Mulrennan. "We learned a lot in defeat last year when we made too much use of him – he loves being dropped in to come around horses."

Bethell to blame

Ed Bethell had nobody to blame but himself for Old Cock's heavy defeat in the Lincoln in March and was quick to stick the boot in after his four-year-old bounced back to land the mile handicap.

"The trainer f***ed up by running him in the Lincoln," he confessed. "He got a rush of blood early in the year and ran him too soon. He wasn't quite there and I looked at him on the Sunday morning after the race and said I'd been an idiot.

"This has been the aim since. He's very talented on his day and he looked a million dollars going round the parade ring. I was never confident because it's York, but I had a strong hope."

Old Cock has now won four of his eight starts, and Bethell said: "Who knows where the ceiling will be with him? He's in the Royal Hunt Cup, but I'll speak to the owners before making a final decision."

Legion on the march

First Legion was introduced at 12-1 by Paddy Power for the Coventry Stakes after making a winning debut for Richard Hannon and Shane Foley in the 6f novice.

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