Lingfield Park will host an exciting close to the year on Wednesday, December 31, as the Listed Midnite Quebec Stakes (2.00pm) promises to deliver a fascinating test over 10 furlongs. All eyes will be on Tyrrhenian Sea, the seven-year-old Roger Varian-trained stalwart, who bids to continue his remarkable record at the Surrey venue.
Tyrrhenian Sea has yet to finish outside the first two in five visits to Lingfield, including a victory in the 2023 edition of this race and last season’s Listed Tandridge Stakes. The son of Sea The Stars has consistently run well against top company, finishing second to Lord North in the 2023 G3 Winter Derby and chasing home Royal Champion in the 2024 Quebec Stakes, with the latter going on to G2 success in the York Stakes and Bahrain International Trophy.
On his seasonal return earlier this month in the Listed Hyde Stakes at Kempton Park, Tyrrhenian Sea produced a solid performance to finish third behind Holloway Boy, while Torito, one of the key rivals on Wednesday, was sixth.
Torito represents John & Thady Gosden alongside stablemate Nebras. The Kingman colt has shown consistent form at Listed level, including a third-place finish in the 2024 Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. Nebras, stepping back up in class following a successful front-running handicap at Newcastle last month, makes his second outing since being gelded. A debut winner at Newmarket, he has competed in two Listed races this year and carries the promise of further improvement as he heads into his four-year-old campaign.
Racing manager Lord Grimthorpe of owner-breeder Imad Alsagar said, “Nebras is doing well and probably would have needed his first couple of runs back after being gelded. We have always had a good opinion of the horse, and he’s a robust type with a lovely pedigree. We hope the best is still to come.”
Adding further intrigue to the field is Military Academy, formerly trained by Gosden and now under Jane Chapple-Hyam. The four-year-old has excelled on the all-weather, with a Listed win in last season’s Floodlit Stakes and a strong second in the G3 Winter Derby behind Royal Champion. David O’Meara’s Duke’s Command, who enjoyed a course success over 10 furlongs earlier this month, also shapes as a major contender. The Dubawi colt, purchased for 1.6 million guineas as a yearling, comes from the family of Classic winners Minding and Tuesday, adding to his appeal.
With a mix of seasoned performers and exciting up-and-comers, the Midnite Quebec Stakes promises a competitive and compelling finale to the year at Lingfield Park. Tyrrhenian Sea will be keen to uphold his reputation, but the quality of rivals ensures this contest will be watched closely by racing enthusiasts.
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