Midday defied her Group One penalty in the Group Two totesport.com Middleton Stakes at York.

Henry Cecil's smart mare Midday had to concede 5lbs to her seven rivals and, although Tom Queally had to get quite serious with her within the final quarter of a mile, she was ultimately well on top of the line on her seasonal reappearance.

Last year, Midday had found Oaks winner Sariska too strong on ground that was on the quick side for her but the daughter of Oasis Dream was much more at home under the slightly easier conditions.

Frankie Dettori had set a steady gallop aboard Sajjhaa before quickening the pace turning into the home straight and, with the exception of the winner, none of those that had race further back in the pack were able to get competitive.

Momentarily, it looked as though Midday would have a fight on her hands but she responded readily to Queally's urgings to come home two lengths to the good.

Queally said: "It was a bit workmanlike, but she doesn't come to herself until the the middle of the summer.

"Hopefully she'll build on this.

"She was a little bit ring-rusty but she was still impressive.

"She's lovely and settled, and she'll be a hard filly to pass this year."