Starspangledbanner Colt Not For Catching At Sandown

Nazalan (2c Starspangledbanner - Emerald Approach, by New Approach) showed the benefit of experience when making all to win his second start at Sandown on Friday.

The Sean Woods-trained colt was slowly away on debut earlier this month and despite showing signs of greenness, finished well to take third. Ridden by Rob Havlin on Friday, he made all of the running over five furlongs and was pushed along after the two furlong marker. Keeping on well inside the final furlong, he won by two lengths in comfortable fashion.

There should be more to come from Nazalan, who carries the colours of Mrs Nicola Thomas. The son of Starspangledbanner was sold by breeder Lodge Park Stud as a yearling for £105,000.

Later that day at Cork, Son Of Sampers (3g Starspangledbanner - Sampers, by Exceed And Excel) gained a deserved win when justifying favouritism in the five furlong maiden.

Trained by Michael Halford and Tracey Collins, Nicky Hartery’s homebred finished second in a Naas maiden at the end of last season and was narrowly denied last time out at Tipperary. Reunited with regular rider Ronan Whelan at Cork, he raced prominently up the centre of the track and led from two furlongs out. Keeping on well when ridden inside the final furlong, he led by half a length on the line.

Speaking after the race, co-trainer Tracey Collins said, “He is progressing, is going the right way and has started to strengthen. Hopefully he will continue to go forward.”