Heron Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 18:46 | Winning time: 1m 44.92s

(1)

Captain Winters³⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: N Callan| T: K A Ryan| OR: 92

12/1

Novice winner at Thirsk last summer who excelled himself when third in listed company at Haydock in September. Didn't look straightforward on reappearance/handicap debut fitted with cheekpieces and no easy task on these terms.

Form: 42135-4

(3)

Finn's Charm³⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 101| D

9/2

Won 7f maiden on second start and made frame in Chesham Stakes on next outing. Heavy defeats final 2 starts of juvenile campaign but bounced back in no uncertain terms when a decisive all-the-way- winner at Musselburgh last month. Just about the one to beat.

Form: 31459-1

(2)

Grey's Monument^b²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 103| D

8/1

Totally different proposition since fitted with blinkers, improving another chunk when supplementing his Haydock success at York. Heavy defeat in the Greenham on return but this is easier and he now goes up in trip.

Form: 37112-8

(4)

Slipofthepen³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 98| D

4/9

Night of Thunder colt who overcame inexperience to make a winning debut in the manner of a potentially smart colt in a Kempton novice in November (1m). Defied greenness when following up over same C&D and there could be a lot more to come from him.

Form: 1-1

Forecasts

Slipofthepen (4/9), Finn's Charm (9/2), Grey's Monument (8/1), Captain Winters (12/1)

SLIPOFTHEPEN outclassed the opposition in a brace of 1m novice events at Kempton 4 months apart and his Group 1 entries confirm the regard he's held in. He can remain unbeaten switched to turf, though Finn's Charm is a streetwise opponent who will be dangerous if getting into a nice rhythm at the head of affairs.