Unbeaten filly Heredia continues march to Group 1 level with Listed challenge

Coral Distaff (Listed) | 1m | 3yo fillies | ITV/RTV

Richard Hannon has kept a lid on his ambitions for Heredia, despite his enthusiasm for the filly, by opting to step into Listed class for the Coral Distaff rather than leaping into the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket next week.

Unbeaten in four starts for owner-breeder Andrew Stone, Heredia's most recent success came when landing the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, leaving Hannon pondering whether to head straight into a Group 1 contest that he landed last year with Snow Lantern.

Heredia treading on her shoe in the build-up to the Coral Distaff was also rolling around in Hannon's mind, but with the filly fighting fit – and with a view next week might be a little early to be taking on the likes of brilliant Coronation Stakes winner Inspiral – Sandown was selected for Heredia to shoot for some black type.

"Inspiral did look good at Royal Ascot and is just coming good," Hannon said. "Our filly would love soft ground, so we might be better off waiting for something like the Prix Rothschild if we are going to take on that calibre of horse.

"If we can bank this Listed race then we can start shooting at the stars a little bit. She's won her first four races, including a 28-runner Royal Ascot handicap, and it takes a good horse to do that. I've no doubt she will get up to Falmouth level.

"Listed races aren't easy but off her rating she would be a strong favourite and it's hard to pass up an opportunity like that if she is going to continue improving through the year as I think she will, so we will be better off delaying that Group 1 for a while."

Grande Dame: steps down from Group 1 level under Ryan MooreCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Grande Dame was among those who were unable to live with Inspiral at Royal Ascot, with joint-trainer John Gosden believing the drop down to Listed level will be beneficial for the filly.

"She was not disgraced in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and this looks another good opportunity to get some black type," he said.

A chance to gain some valuable black type is also the mission for trainer Hughie Morrison, who saddles Lyrical Lady.

Morrison said: "I might not run her because of the ground – she'd like the thunderstorms. She put in a good performance at Salisbury and she won with authority. This doesn't look the strongest race."

Read our Saturday previews . . .

3.35 Sandown: Vadeni and Native Trail star in six-runner Coral-Eclipse

Big-race analysis: why top French raider Vadeni could become an Eclipse trend-setter (Members' Club)

1.50 Sandown: 'He's definitely on the upgrade' – can Mitbaahy strike again?

2.25 Sandown: Hunt Cup fifth Sinjaari bids to continue series of big weight-carrying displays

2.40 Haydock: can progressive Free Wind take another step up the ladder for the Gosdens?

3.15 Haydock: Gaassee out to prove he's a Group horse in waiting in the Old Newton Cup

WIN A TRIP TO PARIS FOR THE 2022 PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE!

ENTER NOW! Entries open on June 1 and close on July 31. The competition winners will be randomly drawn within seven days of the competition closing and contacted via the email they have provided. Only one entry per person to the prize draw. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize otherwise another winner will be randomly drawn. There will be no cash alternative offered for this prize. Spotlight Sports Group reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice. You must be aged 18 and over and a resident in the UK or Ireland to be eligible. Spotlight Sports Group standard competition rules apply. Spotlight Sports Group backs safer gambling. 18+. begambleaware.org. Spotlight Sports Group's privacy policy can be found here.