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Koora bids to continue her progression when she returns to action in the Betfred Middleton Stakes at York on Thursday.

The homebred daughter of star mare Kithanga did not run as a two-year-old but made giant strides in her three-year-old campaign which saw her step up from maiden company to win the Group Three St Simon Stakes at Newbury on the last of her five starts.

Her trainer Luca Cumani reports her to be primed for her seasonal debut, but is conscious she faces a stern examination in this Group Two contest.

"She's ready to have her first start of the season. I am pleased with her condition," said the Newmarket handler.

"It's a tough race but we hope for the best."

One of Koora's rivals is a former stablemate, Lady Of Dubai who makes her first appearance since being moved to Roger Varian's yard.

The daughter of Dubawi took on the top female company last term, including finishing third in the Oaks at Epsom behind Qualify.

She signed off for the Cumani team by running fourth to Ribbons in the Blandford Stakes at the Curragh and has been pleasing her new trainer in her work at home.

"Lady Of Dubai is a high-class filly. She had smart form when she came to us and I have been very pleased with how she has trained this spring," said Varian.

"The Middleton Stakes has been her planned starting point for some time and her preparation has gone smoothly.

"I think the trip and track at York should be ideal and we are expecting a good run from her."

Beautiful Romance was also highly tried last autumn and came out with great credit when following up her fifth to the brilliant Treve in the Prix Vermeille by finishing third to Simple Verse in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot.

Her trainer Saeed bin Suroor reports Godolphin's filly to be ready to begin a new campaign.

"Beautiful Romance is a filly that I like a lot and is doing well," he told www.godolphin.com.

"Her last piece of work went well and this distance will suit her. We would like to see the forecast rain arrive as good or good to soft ground will be fine for her.

"She improved a lot throughout last season and we hope that she can be even better this year, although she will come on for the run."

Pat Fahy is hoping the drop in trip from a mile and a half will help Ballybacka Queen in her quest for more black type.

The five-year-old mare has been placed in Group Three and Listed company and has had the benefit of a run this spring when second to Altesse in the Noblesse Stakes at Leopardstown five weeks ago.

"She's been doing great since her last run and is in good form," said the County Carlow-based trainer.

"They've had some rain over there so I'm happy enough.

"She'll come on for her first run at Leopardstown and a mile and two might be more suitable for her as well."

Journey was two lengths ahead of Beautiful Romance when second to Simple Verse on Champions Day in October and her trainer John Gosden expects her to do herself justice.

"She's ready to rock and roll. It's a very good race, but she should run well," said Gosden.

"She's just ready to have her first run."