Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 8 weekend runners
The Betway ambassador assesses a successful season ahead of British Champions Day and the chances of his eight runners at Ascot.
Trainers’ Championship
It’s been a superb season and whether we win the Championship or not, I’m so proud of each and every one of our staff. I know it’s a cliché, but it really is a huge team effort and that can never be mentioned enough. The whole team here are fantastic and have shown real desire and commitment in what has been a really challenging couple of years for everybody.
British Champions Day
Morando (13:25) ran well in the race last year where he finished fourth. Getting a shower or two would help all of our runners really, but especially him.
He ran well last time considering how quick the ground was and on his best form, he could pick up some prize money.
Berkshire Rocco has had this as his target for a long time. He wouldn’t want it too soft, but as we stand at the moment, it’s ideal for him. He’s been a bit idle in his homework, so we’re opting for the cheekpieces in hope they can keep him focussed. He had a good prep run recently, which would have put him spot on for this. We hope he can run the race of his life.
Happy Power (14:00) has been unlucky this season. He ran very well at Royal Ascot over course and distance and actually ran well enough in this race last year having been backed up a week after winning the Challenge Stakes. He’ll be fresher this year, which is a better preparation and I think he has a lively chance of hitting the frame in what looks a really open race.
Tribal Craft (14:35) would appreciate any rain. She’s had a good season and loves to get her toe in, so we’ll doing a rain dance for her. It’s a Group 1 contest, so she has to step up.
Invite looks to have a more obvious chance. She doesn’t show a huge amount in her homework, but we’ve been really happy with her in the past fortnight. The conditions will suit her well and I think her last run was very good, where she beat both older horses and geldings. I do think Snowfall will be very tough to beat if she’s on song, though.
Alcohol Free has had a stellar season and been great for the yard winning two Group 1 races.
It’s been a long season for her. She was up and ready to go in the Fred Darling in April, and that seems like a long time ago now.
She’s in good nick at home and on her best form, we all know she’s got the ability to run a huge race.
Foxes Tales (15:50) is another who has had a good season. He’d need a career best to be competitive, but he just keeps running well. He is a course-and-distance winner, albeit in a handicap, so I have no qualms about the track for him.
His form tied in with Dubai Honour is very good and the price difference does surprise me. We’re putting blinkers on him to sharpen him up. Despite his big price, he deserves his place.
Symbolize (16:30) ran a smashing race last time. He’s been really unlucky with the draws all season until his last start and he was only narrowly beaten. He’s in great shape and I hope he can run well again at a course he has shown a liking for.
Spanish Mission heading for the Melbourne Cup
He’s due to work in the late hours of Friday so we’ll know more after that, but he travelled to Australia well and since arriving over there, he’s had a good appetite, which is always pleasing.
The team over there are all very happy with him so it’s all systems go for the Melbourne Cup.
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