Talk Of New York walks the walk in Heron Stakes

Talk Of New York earned himself a crack at Guineas winners Bow Echo and Gstaad with a dominant win in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Thursday, 28 May. 

Returning to Listed company on the back of an easy novice win at Newmarket’s Craven meeting, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt raced exuberantly in fourth as Nation’s Hope stretched the field. 

Talk Of New York still had eight lengths to make up at the top of the straight but travelled strongly into the race as all eight runners converged two furlongs out. 

Asked to win his race by William Buick shortly after, Talk Of New York streaked clear entering the final furlong to cross the line five and a half lengths ahead of Time To Turn. 

Charlie Appleby said: “It is amazing how well horses like Talk Of New York do for a bit of time. Immediately after the Craven meeting we were confident that we would come here rather than the Guineas, because we wanted to get back on a turning track and teach him to get the mile well. Physically and mentally, he has done so well for not having been put into the Guineas picture, where you have to maintain that level of training. 

“We came here with confidence, although unfortunately Rossa [Ryan] said his horse Nation’s Hope locked on, which meant they have gone a decent gallop out there. Will felt Talk Of New York was always getting there – and the one thing he said he does is quicken and sustains it. 

“The plan was to hopefully go to the St James’s Palace Stakes. With the three-year-old crop being the way it is, I think he deserves to have a crack at it and take on the likes of Bow Echo and Gstaad. Hopefully, he comes out of this well and we can fill the tank up again. At the minute, I am happy to stick to the mile as the pace of the race suits him.” 

William Buick added: “Talk Of New York has improved in everything he does. The gallop today was a little stronger than we anticipated, but he dealt with it fine. He got into a nice rhythm, picked up well and then sustained it. It was the performance we wanted to see from him. 

“He was more mature, which is something he has suggested at home, and he showed tonight what he has been showing at home. It was lovely for him to do it and hopefully he can step on nicely to his next assignment.”