Heredia

Heredia did well to win the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown last Saturday. Dropped in early on by Sean Levey from her wide draw, and in a share of last place as they turned for home, she quickened up impressively at the two-furlong marker, she hit the front deep inside the final furlong, and she kept on well all the way to the line.

This was a race that was not run at a strong pace, as evidenced by the winner’s finishing speed of 106.62% of overall speed, and in which it was difficult to make ground from the rear. Heredia was fastest of all through the third last and second last furlongs. Winner of the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot last year, Richard Hannon’s filly was impressive in winning a listed race at Haydock on her previous run, and this was probably a step forward from that. Her trainer was talking about taking her to America at some point, and America could suit her well. In the meantime, however, she holds entries in the Group 2 Joel Stakes over a mile and in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes over seven furlongs at Newmarket, and she would be of interest if she lined up in either.

Sandown, 2^nd September 2023