Starspangledbanner Colt Impresses On Three-Year-Old Return

Winnebago (3c Starspangledbanner – Bitter Lake, by Halling) built on last season’s promise to run out an impressive winner of Sunday’s seven furlong novice stakes at Lingfield.

Tom Clover’s charge came into the race with a rating of 85, having twice placed over six furlongs as a juvenile. Sent off favourite under Luke Morris on return, he raced in touch with the leaders and was delivered to lead before the final furlong. Soon clear, he was pushed out to score by four lengths, with another seven lengths back to the third horse.

“I thought today's step up in trip would really see Winnebago good effect,” the winning rider later revealed. “He's won hands and heels, which hopefully will bode well for his year ahead.”

The smart son of Starspangledbanner is owned by breeders Anthony Rogers, Sonia Rogers and Anthony Mithen.