Hannon thrilled with Star potential from Aperoll
Sandown winner will have Group Ones on the agenda as the season progresses.
Aperoll proved a cut above her rivals back among her own sex when running out a cosy winner of the Listed European Bloodstock News EBF Star Stakes at Sandown.
Richard Hannon’s Ghaiyyath filly had punched above her weight when taking on boys with a solid third in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Nola Soul.
Bounced out of the stalls by Pat Dobbs, the 13-8 favourite dictated the pace and kept a bit up her sleeve to repel the back-to-front charge from Oisin Murphy and Bayside View close home, winning by a neck.
Hannon said: “She won very well first time and was a little unfortunate at Royal Ascot when one got keen next to her in the gate and she was a bit keen coming out of the gate. She was a bit the same again today and did it the hard way, but I was really pleased with her.
“They had a chance to beat her, but she had a fair bit left and she will race more economically as time goes on. She reminds me quite a bit of Sky Lantern at home and it’s the same when she races.
“She is in the Moyglare and as the season goes on and we get a bit of soft ground there are a lot of options. Obviously you have the Marcel Boussac, but the Moyglare would be a lovely race for her.
“There was nothing lucky about today – she was the best filly in the race and looked it, but most importantly she is a filly for next year. She is all over a Guineas filly for next year. Hopefully she will grow up mentally and learn how to race and won’t be in such a rush.”
Winning jockey Dobbs added: “She has a lot of quality. She is quite a strong filly and is like a colt and well able to get up the hill. I think she can be better if she relaxes.”