Tag Archive for: Heron Stakes

Slipofthepen loses unbeaten record at Sandown

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Slipofthepen had to settle for third, as Captain Winters was given a superb, enterprising ride by Neil Callan to cause an upset in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown.

Royal runner Slipofthepen – who came into the race unbeaten after landing two all-weather mile races at Kempton – was sent off the 4-9 favourite under James Doyle to win for the King and Queen.

However, the John and Thady Gosden-trained Night Of Thunder colt was a stride or two slow from the stalls and was still last of the quartet turning for home.

Slipofthepen and James Doyle after finishing third at Sandown
Slipofthepen and James Doyle after finishing third at Sandown (John Walton/PA)

Though he appeared to travel well as the keen Grey’s Monument set the pace, Slipofthepen did not pick up as expected.

Callan stole a march on the Kevin Ryan-trained 12-1 outsider approaching two furlongs out and with Finn’s Charm – who had beaten him 10 lengths at Musselburgh – folding quickly, it was left to the long-time leader to keep up the challenge.

Though Captain Winters tired near the line, he just had enough to score by a fast-diminishing nose.

Gosden senior pointed towards the ground playing its part in Slipofthepen’s reverse.

“He just found the ground a little tacky. He is a horse that loves top of the ground,” he said.

“He just laboured in the ground and he didn’t have his usual zip. But you are coming from the all-weather to his first race on turf which is a big difference.

“It is a good stiff track Sandown and he didn’t float off the ground. He was a little bit keen, but I’m not blaming that. The ground was just a little bit tacky for him.

“We will see how he is when he gets home then make plans.”

Of the winner, Ryan said: “I’m delighted with him. Off his rating he did have a bit of work to do, but we thought a lot of him last year.

“He is from a family that generally improves with age. You could put a line through his run last time at Musselburgh as I just thought the track didn’t suit him.

“I think he is a horse that just saves a bit for himself, but if you think you have a good horse it is worth pitching them in to good races.

“I don’t go into races like this to make up the numbers. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong.

“We will have a chat with Sheikh (Mohammed) Obaid (Al Maktoum) over the next few days and see what to do.

“There could be options to go over to France with him, while we will also see what options there are at home. It is nice to have opportunities to make such plans.”

Slipofthepen can write his ticket to Ascot with Sandown victory

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Slipofthepen will bid to punch his ticket to Royal Ascot when he takes on three rivals in the Heron Stakes at Sandown on Tuesday evening.

The unbeaten colt, who is owned by the King and Queen, is a general 16-1 chance for the Betfred Derby a fortnight on Saturday.

However, it seems likely that Slipofthepen, who will be ridden by James Doyle, will bypass the Epsom Classic and head to the Royal meeting, where he holds an entry in the St James’s Palace Stakes.

Slipofthepen after winning at Kempton
Slipofthepen after winning at Kempton (Jockey Club)

The son of Night Of Thunder won a novice race over a mile on debut at Kempton in November.

He returned to the same all-weather course and distance to score with some ease in a conditions event last month, yet Sunday’s Poule d’Essai des Poulins at ParisLongchamp came a little too quickly.

The King’s racing manager, John Warren, said: “We were disappointed not to get Slipofthepen to the French 2000 Guineas, but the ground was too heavy for such a good-moving colt.

“We are hoping for a good showing so that we can find out where he sits to be aimed at Royal Ascot.

“John Gosden thinks he is a pretty smart colt, so we are treating him with plenty of respect.”

Slipofthepen has a little to find on ratings with the Ralph Beckett-trained Grey’s Monument, who won twice last season as a juvenile and signed off with a runner-up finish in the Group Two Horris Hill at Newbury.

He tackles a mile for only the second time in eight starts, having opened his Classic campaign with a 19-length defeat by subsequent French Guineas runner-up Isaac Shelby in the Greenham back at the Berkshire track.

Beckett said: “The track and ground should suit him. He’s in great shape and he’s come on for his seasonal debut and we’re looking forward to seeing him on a round track.

Ralph Beckett feels Grey's Monument will improve for his recent Newbury run
Ralph Beckett feels Grey’s Monument will improve for his recent Newbury run (Mike Egerton/PA)

“I don’t think he got bogged down in the mud (in the Greenham). I just think he needed it.

“It will be only his second run over a mile, but arguably it was his best run at York when he won over this trip, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The Charlie Johnston-trained Finn’s Charm, who won a decent mile handicap at Musselburgh on his return, and Captain Winters, who was 10 lengths behind him on his seasonal bow, complete the field for the Listed contest.