Richard Hannon feels Sandown could be the perfect place for Aperoll to build on her fine Royal Ascot third when she lines up for the European Bloodstock News EBF Star Stakes on Thursday.
The daughter of Ghaiyyath impressed when making a winning debut at Newbury and ran a big race in the Chesham on her second start against some well-regarded colts, beaten less than a length by Fozzy Stack’s Nola Soul.
After pre-race drama involving the subsequently withdrawn Aix La Chapelle not aiding Aperoll’s cause at Ascot, Hannon is hopeful there is more to come from his talented youngster.
“It was a super run at Ascot and I think going round a bend at Sandown might actually suit her,” said Hannon, who won the Listed event in 2017 with Tajaanus.
“The problem in the Chesham was when Aidan’s (O’Brien) horse went mad in the stalls, the stalls handler jumped out of his stall and into ours and then she hit the gates like her backside was on fire when she normally has the most lovely temperament. She just wanted to get out and go, but she’s not normally like that.
“Sandown will suit her and you’d like to think she will run another nice race.”
Michael Bell’s Bayside View took on board the learnings of a narrow Doncaster defeat on debut when bolting up at Newbury in the hands of Oisin Murphy on her second outing.
The Newmarket handler is thrilled to have the champion jockey onside again as the Group One-entered daughter of New Bay takes the next step in her career.
Bell said: “She has an exciting profile and works nicely. This was the race we picked after she won at Newbury and she is in a very good place. Her half-sister Jennifer Jane won a Group Three at Chantilly at the weekend and Jennifer Jane was second in this race last year.
“The sire has had a very good start to his career and she looks smart, but it is a tough little contest. I don’t know what they will make favourite, she will be near the front of the market but there are three or four of those fillies with very exciting profiles.
“Oisin was very keen to continue the association which is a positive. He has ridden her once since Newbury and was delighted with her and is a believer.”
Others heading to the seven-furlong event with winning form include Ralph Beckett’s successful Newmarket newcomer War Banner, Harry Charlton’s Juddmonte representative Celestia and Charlie Johnston’s Lady Caroline Lamb.
Brian Meehan’s Albany eighth Tall Trees, who was fifth to Aperoll on debut at Newbury, James Tate’s Grey Tamam and Charlie Fellowes’ Guadalevin complete the field.