Heron Stakes 2011

8.15 Sandown

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Heron Stakes (Listed) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £17,031

Pick: Fury (win)

Pausanias: Made deep impression when winning at Glorious Goodwood on debut before showing determination to dead – heat with Coventry third on next start & got going too late when staying into second in the Autumn Stakes, giving impression soft ground didn’t help him; Impressive on reappearance in Free Handicap, and while he will do well thanks to physical improvement, this just as hard with penalty.

Fury: Won maiden in very taking style and surpassed that when taking sales race at Newmarket with relative ease (form very strong for the level, strongest race of its type run last season); Ran with a lot of credit in 2,000 Guineas, when he hadn’t gotten a clear run beforehand and the firm ground was against him according to connections; This a drop in class and he can go very close.

Loving Spirit: Did it readily on debut and didn’t necessarily disappoint when beaten by Mantoba on last starts, although that form not been upheld since; 2,000 Guineas ninth respectable (likely to improve being a big horse) but well behind Fury on that form and may want further than this (Eclips entry).

Neebreas: Made highly encouraging debut for David Lanigan at Newbury last May before landing odds comfortably and finishing second in July Stakes, hanging badly left at finish; blew his race before the start & at stalls when reappearing over 6f but much better form when coasting home on bridle in conditions event (confidence booster) and can go close here.

Tazahum: Improved on debut winning form when a well beaten second behind Dubawi Gold (has been vastly improved since then) & reappeared with impressive handicap win; Can do better but form hardly been well represented since and bigger task on hands now.

VERDICT: A small but select field of already smart likely improvers. The rain has come for FURY, who was very promising when fifth in the Guineas and is reunited with Kieren Fallon. He can beat Neebras & Tazahum.