Sandown preview: Heron Stakes (20.15)

White Lake disappointed on seasonal reappearance but looks worth another chance to build on previous promise and land the Heron Stakes at Sandown this evening (20.15).

The Luca Cumani-trained colt had just two starts as a juvenile, and looked a smart prospect when defying odds of 25/1 with Coral to score on his debut at York in the most valuable maiden in the calender.

After being held-up towards the rear, White Lake made smooth headway two from home before being ridden to take up the running at the furlong marker to win going away by two lengths from Secret Brief.

The runner-up is a smart sort who went on two win his next three races, including two valuable sales races at Newmarket, and the pair pulled 3 1/4 lengths clear of the third to give the form a solid look.

It was a very taking performance by White lake, and one which saw him sent off the heavily-backed 8/11 favourite to land a 7f Listed contest at Doncaster.

White Lake kept on from off the pace to finish a 1/2 length fourth of seven to Nafaqa, showing distinct signs of inexperience but sticking to the task well.

It was a performance which suggested the son of Pivotal had the potential to do far better as a three-year-old, so it was disappointing that he failed to fire when a well beaten last of seven in the Group 3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket last month.

There is little doubt in my mind that White Lake had an off day and is far better than that, and with the stable now in form it would be no surprise to see him bounce back and land the spoils in this Listed 1m contest now eased in grade.

Consort impressed when winning his sole start as a juvenile and looks a big player if ready to roll after 244 days on the sidelines.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt made all and ran on strongly to win a warm Newmarket maiden over 7f, and several of those in behind have come out and won since.