Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 11 weekend runners
The Betway ambassador and leader of the Flat trainers' championship assesses the chances of all his weekend entries at Newmarket, York and Goodwood.
Newmarket on Saturday
Robasta has been a bit disappointing on his last few starts but did run well in a big Sales race on his most recent outing. He’s always worked to a good level and, if he runs to that, he could be well-handicapped (13:10).
Berkshire Rebel ran well enough at Epsom last time, where it was clear he wasn’t totally in love with the undulating track. He’s got a nice level of ability and seems in good nick at home (13:45).
Imperial Fighter has shown a good level of form in two starts. His second in the Acomb Stakes looks good and he should be suited by this step up in trip. He has a live chance of getting in the placings (14:20).
Berkshire Shadow didn’t really fire in the Lowther Stakes, but that can happen at York for some reason. His Goodwood run now looks very good as he was trying to give 3lb to a subsequent Group 1 winner. We’re trying a tongue tie on him as he’s been known to hold his breath in his work at home (14:55).
Nate The Great has had this as his target for a while (15:35). He ran well over an inadequate trip at Newbury last time and this trip of 2m2f is much more to his liking. It’s hard to fancy a horse in a race as competitive as this, but I think he has a nice squeak at a big price.
King Vega slightly over-raced at Goodwood last time. He’s got some good form in the book – especially from last season – and, on a going day, could be competitive at this grade (16:45).
One runner at York
Good Birthday has been very consistent this season. He ran well in the Cambridgeshire a couple of weeks ago and finished fifth in his group. He’s got a good sporting chance off this mark (14:37).
Goodwood on Sunday
Roseberry Topping was drawn poorly at Kempton last time but has a better draw here. She ran well on her first start at Ascot and could go well here, too (14:20).
Strozzi didn’t get home over a mile last time out, so we’re dropping him back to 7f in the hope it could make him competitive (15:30).
Schmilsson ran very well first time out and has improved since. We won this race for his owners last season and it would be good to do it again with a horse that will be winning races next season (16:05).
Calcutta Cup fluffed the start last time, which didn’t help his chance. I hope he jumps better this time around as I think he could be fairly treated (17:15).
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