Tag Archive for: Andrew Balding

Shadow seals Newcastle treble for Balding and Murphy

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Berkshire Shadow brought up an All-Weather Championships Finals Day treble for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy when claiming the Spreadex All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes.

A winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot as a two-year-old, the 7-4 favourite ran some encouraging races over this trip early in his three-year-old season, finishing fifth in the 2000 Guineas before being beaten less than two lengths in the St James’s Palace Stakes on his return to the Royal meeting.

Although his form tailed off as the summer went on last year, he was gelded over the winter and the son of Dark Angel landed the Lady Wulfruna Stakes on his reappearance at Wolverhampton last month to book his ticket to Gosforth Park.

Sent off the 7-4 favourite in the north east, Murphy was content to stalk the pace set by The Wizard Of Eye and Lord Of The Lodge and as The Wizard Of Eye’s brave front-running effort began to wane inside the final furlong, Berkshire Shadow was just getting motoring and he hit the front half a furlong from home before keeping on powerfully.

Balding was represented by his wife Anna Lisa, who said: “That was brilliant, that was the one we wanted today, I’m delighted.

“He’s a special horse to us and Paul (Spickett, owner) has been very patient with him since he won the Coventry as he’d run well without winning.

“I know he won on his comeback early in the year but that was his target today.

Oisin Murphy after winning the Spreadex All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes on Berkshire Shadow at Newcastle
Oisin Murphy after winning the Spreadex All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes on Berkshire Shadow at Newcastle (Richard Sellers/PA)

“I don’t think gelding him has made the difference, he just finally looks like a proper horse now and has filled his frame. He’s an outstanding looking horse now.

“He’s in the Lockinge, I don’t know if he’ll go there but he’s in very good form so we’ll see how he is.

“He’s had to really see the mile out and Oisin said he really did, which is a huge positive.”

Murphy said: “This guy was brilliant at two, then he lost his way but he’s bounced back.

“He won a Listed race last time and over a stiff mile today, I thought we would learn for the future, and he definitely stayed the trip so I’m thrilled.

“He travelled so well. I’d love to see the sectionals for the final furlong as it felt like we really slowed down. We learned plenty.

“He was never colty but after losing his way, despite being a Coventry winner, it made sense to geld him.”

Murphy and Balding also struck gold with Desert Cop in the talkSPORT All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Conditions Stakes and Notre Belle Bete in the BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic, with the rider happy to record his first high-profile treble since returning from a 14-month ban in February.

He said: “I came with lots of nice rides and it’s brilliant the horses have performed.

Desert Cop was the first of three winners for Murphy
Desert Cop was the first of three winners for Murphy (Richard Sellers/PA)

“Unfortunately Berkshire Rocco didn’t win and Arabian Storm didn’t win.

“We have a lot of good horses at Andrew Balding’s and there is a lot of hard work that goes into it.

“I just ride them, I know jockeys say that sometimes but we also see the overall work that goes in behind the scenes.

“I am riding lots of horses with chances and it’s great they are winning. I am really enjoying it.”

Balding added: “After the first race I was thinking it was going to be a long way home, especially as I’ve got to go up to Musselburgh tomorrow but it’s turned out brilliant.”

Notre Belle Bete claims Classic honours

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Notre Belle Bete landed a gamble to win the BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes in taking fashion at Newcastle.

Andrew Balding’s five-year-old was well supported ahead of the race and eventually went off the 9-4 joint-favourite in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

Trying the 10-furlong distance for just the second time, the son of Zoffany was ridden with supreme confidence by the in-form jockey, travelling into contention with real ease before staying every yard of the trip when asked to stride on by Murphy.

Notre Belle Bete was well in control inside the distance, registering a one-length verdict over Simon and Ed Crisford’s Base Note to provide both Balding and owners King Power Racing with a second win in the £200,000 contest after Bangkok’s success in 2021.

Balding was represented by his wife Anna Lisa, who said: “He loves the all-weather and has been working really well at home, he’s clearly thrived for going up in trip.

“I have to say hats off to Shannon (James) who looks after him because he looked a million dollars in the paddock today and won best turned out.

“He hasn’t won for a year, so she’s clearly got him on great terms with himself.

Notre Belle Bete and jockey Oisin Murphy after winning the BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes at Newcastle Racecourse
Notre Belle Bete and jockey Oisin Murphy after winning the BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes at Newcastle Racecourse (Richard Sellers/PA)

“It’s a great race to win for King Power and great for Oisin, he’s riding well, he’s certainly not out of practice, it’s fantastic.

“He was just beaten in the Lincoln Trial but I think this was the aim (rather than the Lincoln) – with the prize-money they put on you can’t ignore it. It’s fantastic.”

Murphy added: “He was a bit unlucky at Wolverhampton when the pace was strong and I met trouble in the straight.

“Stepping up to 10 furlongs today, he was a dream to ride and it was a very easy success.

“I felt it would suit him. Ten furlongs, even if they go slow early, is a long way at Newcastle, it takes some getting, but he got to the line well.

“Many big handicaps on turf are over a mile, so he’d have a lot of weight in those but he deserves to be at the big meetings.

“He’s easy to ride and it went very straightforward.”

Desert Cop speeds to All-Weather Finals Day success

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Desert Cop blitzed the opposition to win the talkSPORT All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Conditions Stakes in fine style at Newcastle.

Andrew Balding’s son of Oasis Dream possesses a speedy pedigree and advertised his potential with a bloodless victory at Kempton in February – and it was more of the same at Gosforth Park as he landed the £150,000 contest won by some handy speedsters over the years.

After Shaquille, one of the market leaders failed to enter the stalls and was withdrawn at the start, it was Mick Appleby’s Michaela’s Boy that led the field along in the early stages.

However, Oisin Murphy aboard the 11-1 winner was always travelling smoothly tracking the pace, and having gone for home approaching the one-furlong pole, the race was soon over as a contest – with the Jeff Smith-owned colt scorching clear of the running-on 2-1 favourite Shouldvebeenaring, who stayed on into second, beaten one and three-quarter lengths.

Balding was represented by his wife Anna-Lisa, who said: “It’s always great to get winners for Jeff (Smith, owner) as he’s so enthusiastic but sadly he’s not here today. We had a disappointment in the first (race) but for Desert Cop to go and do that is fantastic.

“Oisin got off him and was very complimentary, I think it will be an exciting year for him.

“I think today was definitely going to answer questions for the trainer as to what we do in the future, so I imagine we’ll get him home and have a look at everything. Jeff is so involved – usually 20 minutes after the race he has an idea!

“He had something to find on the figures but he’d shown enough at home to warrant running”

Arabian Storm failed to fire in the opening Burradon Stakes for the team of owner, trainer and jockey, but he was reported to be none the worse after coming home ninth.

Balding added: “The first race was really disappointing as he’s a lovely horse, by Kingman out of Arabian Queen and he’s worked very well, but we’re not dealing with machines, he’s pulled up fine.”

Desert Cop and Oisin Murphy
Desert Cop and Oisin Murphy (Richard Sellers/PA)

Murphy believes there is plenty more to come from Desert Cop in the future.

He said: “Desert Cop is massively on the upgrade and that was a really good performance. I am so pleased for Jeff Smith and all his team at Littleton Stud. They do a fantastic job at breeding these horses and he is really one to look forward to.

“It was very hard to judge the form of Desert Cop’s first three starts, but we knew he was improving at home. I loved his attitude today; I still had plenty of horse at the line, and that bodes well for the future. I am not sure what Andrew’s plans are but he’s definitely on the improve and six furlongs suits him well.”

Richard Hannon was “delighted” with the effort of Shouldvebeenaring.

He said: “He might have bumped into a decent horse. He travelled very well and once again he’s run another super solid race.

“There are a lot of options with him during the year now. The owners rightfully are very pleased with him and he will be a lot of fun during the summer.”

Arabian Storm geared up for Burradon test that could lead to Classic challenge

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Arabian Storm attempts to build on an impressive course victory as Classic aspirations are put to the test in the talkSPORT Burradon Stakes which kicks off Newcastle’s All-Weather Championships Finals Day action.

Andrew Balding’s charge was beaten a neck in a red-hot Newmarket maiden on debut in October before reappearing at Gosforth Park last month to register a taking three-length success and book his ticket to what looks a strong running of this one-mile Listed event.

The Kingman colt – who is out of owner Jeff Smith’s Juddmonte International-winning mare Arabian Queen – now looks to earn a return to the Rowley Mile for the Qipco 2000 Guineas on May 6, with connections hopeful they have a potentially smart operator on their hands.

“We’ve been very encouraged by his work at home and feel he is a very nice prospect going forward,” said Smith’s racing manager, David Bowe.

“We thought the Burradon was the right race for him as a trial and we go there reasonably confident we have the real McCoy, he seems to be a really nice horse.

“He has a Guineas entry and obviously we wouldn’t give him that without thinking he was a really nice horse, but the weekend will tell us exactly we need to know.

“But at this moment in time, judged on his home work and everything, we are confident we have a nice horse on our hands. Is he a Classic horse? Wouldn’t that be wonderful, but we’re hoping so.”

Charlie Johnston is doubly represented by Benacre, who signed off last year with back-to-back victories in nursery handicaps, and the Middleham Park Racing-owned Derby entry Dear My Friend.

Charlie Johnston saddles two in the talkSPORT Burradon Stakes
Charlie Johnston saddles two in the talkSPORT Burradon Stakes (Mike Egerton/PA)

The twice-raced Flight Plan brings winning course form to the table for Karl Burke, while Edward Bethell’s Oviedo, Richard Fahey’s Rousing Encore and Kevin Ryan’s Chuzzlewit are others going into battle for the north in search of a share of the £100,000 prize-fund.

Richard Hannon won this in 2019 and this time relies on Dark Thirty, while a year later John and Thady Gosden landed the spoils with Megallan and look to have leading claims once again with Obelix.

A son of Sea The Stars, he makes his first appearance since bolting up by seven and a half lengths over the course and distance in September and is another in the line-up to hold an entry for the 2000 Guineas.

“Obelix won well over the course and distance at the back end of last year, although it was not the strongest novice,” said Thady Gosden.

“The Burradon is always a strong race but, in terms of ratings, he is right in there with the rest of them and this looks the right place to start him off.”

Charles Hills’ Galeron was last seen plundering the Goffs Million on a raiding mission to the Curragh, and connections are looking to this latest test to tee up a big year for the Teme Valley & Aura (Gas) Holdings Ltd-owned colt.

“We’ve got a number of plans and Friday will be the first step in guiding us which route to take,” explained Richard Ryan of Teme Valley.

“He was a clear work in progress last year it looked and has done very well physically over the winter. Charlie is mindful he is quite a tough horse and the race and overnight (trip) will benefit him for the rest of the season in terms of bringing him on and then we can make a firmer plan after Friday.

Galeron ridden by jockey Shane Foley (left) on their way to winning the Goffs Million at the Curragh
Galeron ridden by jockey Shane Foley (left) on their way to winning the Goffs Million at the Curragh (Brian Lawless/PA)

“He’s out of a Galileo mare and that would suggest if you can get seven on easy ground at the Curragh at two, you are more than likely going to get a mile at three.

“The draw has not been particularly kind – no one wants to be drawn stall one at Newcastle over a straight trip. Historically it is not the place to be but we’ll see where the pace is and take it from there.”

John Ryan’s consistent operator Tenjin is the mount of Darragh Keenan and completes the line-up.

Guineas fourth Eydon meets with further setback

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Last year’s 2000 Guineas fourth Eydon will not be seen until the autumn having met with a fresh setback.

The son of Olden Times won the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket last season which set up a return to the Rowley Mile for the Classic.

He outran odds of 33-1 to finish fourth behind Coroebus and having shaped like a step up in trip would suit, connections began dreaming of Derby glory at Epsom.

Eydon ridden by David Egan during the gallops morning ahead of the Cazoo Derby 2022
Eydon ridden by David Egan during the gallops morning ahead of the Cazoo Derby 2022 (John Walton/PA)

However, a setback during the week of the big race saw him cruelly ruled out of the blue riband and he has been on the sidelines ever since.

Switched from Roger Varian to Andrew Balding, it was hoped Eydon would return to the track in the early stages of the 2023 season. But a further problem means he will now miss the key summer months, with connections eying an autumn return.

“He’s had another setback so we won’t see him until the autumn unfortunately,” said Ted Voute, owner Prince Faisal’s racing advisor.

“We were sort of thinking about the Brigadier Gerard and I was relishing maybe meeting last year’s Derby winner (Desert Crown). But we have had to back off him and he’ll be back in the autumn.”

The Foxes pencilled in for Craven Stakes return

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The Foxes could start his campaign in the Craven Stakes as he hopes to tread a path to the Derby.

The son of Churchill won for the first time in a Goodwood maiden in July last year, then taking a step forward to land the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket in September.

The Craven Stakes, a Group Three event run over a mile at the same track in mid-April, is the probable starting point for the colt this term.

The Foxes (left) winning the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes
The Foxes (left) winning the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (David Davies/PA)

The Dante, a Group Two step up to 10 furlongs, has been mentioned as the next target, after which a tilt at the Derby is under consideration for the King Power-owned three-year-old.

Trainer Andrew Balding said: “We are hoping that The Foxes might make up into a Derby horse this season.

“He is not in the 2000 Guineas but he will probably run in the Craven as a prep for the Dante.

“He is a horse that we have always rated and he looks the part. Hopefully he will be a smart horse this season.”

Chester next stop for Magnolia victor Foxes Tales

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Foxes Tales appears to have earned himself a trip to Chester’s May meeting after justifying favouritism with an impressive success in the Unibet More Extra Place Races Magnolia Stakes at Kempton.

The Andrew Balding-trained five-year-old won the Group Three Rose Of Lancaster at Haydock at three, but lost his way somewhat last term.

However, he had shown his well-being with a smart third to subsequent Dubai Turf winner Lord North in the Winter Derby at Lingfield in February and was a 5-2 market leader for Kempton’s Listed feature.

The pace was good from the outset and William Buick appeared keen to catch his six rivals knapping aboard Secret State – kicking for home aboard last season’s King George V Handicap winner with over two furlongs still to run.

Oisin Murphy, though, had the ideal stalking pitch on Foxes Tales and soon had the Charlie Appleby runner in his sights.

The gelded son of Zoffany drew readily upsides and powered clear for a fourth career-win, scoring by three lengths.

Rogue Millennium (33-1) stayed on well for second, with Phantom Flight, who failed to get a run when Buick kicked, a further half length back in third.

Balding said: “He had a bit of wide trip in the Winter Derby but he ran well and Lord North went and franked the form in Dubai, so we were pretty hopeful today.

“He is definitely more focused for being gelded and he is back to the level of form he was showing as a three-year-old.

Foxes Tales returns to the winner's enclosure
Foxes Tales returns to the winner’s enclosure (PA)

“I think last year he was just thinking about things, but he has been gelded and has had a good winter off and hopefully he will have a good season.

“It was either he had to win a Group One last season or have him gelded and have him as a racehorse this season and we have him as a racehorse.

“He has done it well and to the eye it was quite impressive.”

Balding is now eyeing a return to Pattern class, adding: “I think we will probably go to Chester now for the Huxley Stakes (May 12).

“He won a Group Three as a three-year-old and I can’t see why he can’t win at Group-race level again.”

The trainer and jockey made it a double on the card, when Grenham Bay wore down Fix You in a thrilling finish to the six-furlong Unibet More Boosts In More Races Restricted Novice Stakes.

Murphy went on to record his treble as Dora Penny recorded a tenth career success, holding off the lare challenge of Cruise, who had a luckless passage in the six-furlong Fillies’ Handicap.

Chaldean to prep for 2000 Guineas bid in Greenham

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Leading 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean will tune up for his tilt at the opening Classic of the season in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes next month.

Andrew Balding’s son of Frankel is the general third-favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair of Auguste Rodin and Little Big Bear for the Newmarket showpiece (May 6) on the back of an impeccable juvenile season.

Although only fifth at Newbury on debut, he soon returned to the Berkshire track to set the record straight before picking up a further three victories at two – ending the year by claiming Group One honours on the Rowley Mile in the Dewhurst Stakes in October.

Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse
Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse (Tim Goode/PA)

It will again be Newbury where Chaldean starts his campaign and owners Juddmonte will be hoping the super-talented colt can uphold their fine record in the seven-furlong Group Three having seen both the imperious Frankel (2011) and Kingman (2014) taste success in the renowned Guineas trial in recent times.

“I spoke to Andrew (Balding) this morning and he was very happy with him,” said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s racing manager.

“He said he worked nicely on Saturday and all being well he is set to take his place in the Greenham and then we will see where we go from there.”

Chaldean was ridden by Frankie Dettori in his final two starts of last season and the Italian will be given the opportunity to maintain the duo’s unbeaten partnership if returning from his winter spell in California in time for one final crack at the Rowley Mile’s early-season feature.

“If Frankie comes back from America in time then he will ride him,” continued Mahon.

“When we were all in the parade ring after the Dewhurst we sort of made that agreement and the Abdullah family are happy to stick by it. So as long as he doesn’t get a ride in the Kentucky Derby, I’m sure he will be back to ride him.

Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket
Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

“It would be great as he has been such a phenomenal man for the sport. He’s been one of the best jockeys in the world for the past 20 years so it would be great to see him going out on a high and getting a few Group One winners during his last summer.”

Sir Michael Stoute’s Nostrum is another high-class prospect in the famous pink and green silks of Juddmonte for connections to get excited about as the Flat turf season draws ever near.

Only seen three times last term, the Kingman colt was a taking winner of the Tattersalls Stakes over the 2000 Guineas course and distance in September before his inexperience cost him when third behind Chaldean over a furlong less in the Dewhurst.

The likeable bay holds entries in the Newmarket, Irish and French Guineas and Mahon suggest he could make his reappearance in one of those, sure to be, red-hot assignments.

“Michael is very happy with Nostrum, he’s ticking along nicely,” added Mahon.

“He hasn’t really set any targets for him yet and I don’t think he will run in a trial. He could go straight to a Guineas, but we haven’t decided which one yet.”

Berkshire Shadow claims Wulfruna win

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Berkshire Shadow bounced back to form and set up a potential trip to Newcastle on Good Friday with a stylish success in the Spreadex Sports Lady Wulfruna Stakes at Wolverhampton.

Winner of the prestigious Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2021, he went winless last season but was not disgraced in either the 2000 Guineas or the St James’s Palace Stakes.

He never quite hit the expected heights afterwards but Andrew Balding was convinced the son of Dark Angel was returning to something like his best.

Reunited with Oisin Murphy, the now gelded Berkshire Shadow (5-2 favourite) travelled sweetly throughout and hit the front a long way from home.

Harry’s Bar and Angel Bleu gave chase in vain, but Berkshire Shadow held on by a length and a quarter, with Ralph Beckett’s Angel Bleu gaining second on the line.

“It was a very good race, Angel Bleu is a top-class horse, they’ve met before,” Murphy told Sky Sports Racing.

“It’s brilliant to get the horse back, it’s great to see him get a Listed win and hopefully he’ll build on it.

“He’s trained really well. He’s a Dark Angel so has plenty of size and scope and we always felt he wasn’t just a two-year-old. His run in the Guineas last year was fantastic so it’s great to get back to winning ways.

“I haven’t discussed anything with Andrew but perhaps he could have a run on Good Friday, the horse is in very good form. It’s great for the owner too.”

Owner Paul Spickett confirmed Good Friday and Finals Day would now be the plan, adding: “He’s been a super horse. He had a few niggles last year but Andrew said he was going well.

“He’s definitely got the ability. The Coventry would have done me in truth, if he never won another race, but he’s shown he’s still got the ability. Roll on Good Friday.

“There’s a lot of options for him now. They went quick today and when he came off the last bend he had it won.”

Gosdens looking to see Unforgotten put his name up in lights

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Unforgotten has the chance to extend his winning run when he goes for the Spreadex Sports Lincoln Trial Handicap at Wolverhampton.

Second in his first two outings, John and Thady Gosden’s son of Exceed And Excel got off the mark at at the third attempt at Newcastle in April 2021 but then had to sit out almost two years with a setback.

Returning from 659 days off the track he made up for lost time at Lingfield last month and then doubled up 14 days later at the same venue.

He now searches for the quick-fire hat-trick off a 4lb higher rating when he heads to Dunstall Park on Saturday, with a good run potentially setting up a crack at the Lincoln itself at Doncaster on the opening day of the Flat season on April 1.

“He obviously had a couple of issues and had plenty of time off, but he’s a horse we have always liked and have always known he has plenty of talent,” said joint-trainer Thady Gosden.

“He’s run a couple of nice races since coming back and hopefully he can perform to a similar level at the weekend.”

Last year’s winner Notre Belle Bete will attempt to defend his crown off an 8lb higher mark and Andrew Balding’s five-year-old is 3lb higher than when going close at Lingfield in his most recent outing.

“He won the race last year and has been pretty consistent and a decent operator on the all-weather,” said the Kingsclere handler.

“He was unlucky at Lingfield last time and hopefully this will give him the opportunity to be there or thereabouts.”

Outbreak got the better of Notre Belle Bete last time out and Charlie Johnston’s runner is 5lb higher for the rematch, while other notable runners include the consistent Alrehb and Mick Appleby’s track specialist War In Heaven, who has won four in a row at Dunstall Park since the start of the year.

Olly Murphy’s course and distance winner Fleurman will attempt to seal a three-timer in the SCU Selects Expert Tips At BetUK Conditions Stakes over at touch more than two miles.

The race serves as a Fast-Track Qualifier for All-Weather Championships Finals Day and the winner will earn a spot at Newcastle on Good Friday.

Earlofthecotswolds picked up that pot at Gosforth Park in 2022 and is one of five looking to book their ticket to the north east over Easter, with Roberto Escobarr another notable name amongst the quintet.

Brian Ellison’s Onesmoothoperator switches back from hurdles, with Richard Hughes’ Calling The Wind rounding off those taking part.