Andrew Balding: I'd love to win the Italian Derby like my dad
The Betway ambassador previews all of his weekend runners at Ascot, Newmarket, Salisbury, Lingfield, plus one horse who is heading to Rome.
Sunday runners
15:05 Lingfield
Kashi ran very well on his debut to finish second and, on that form, he’s the one they’ve got to beat. I think he’s improved since then, too.
19:00 Capannelle
We’ve got a runner in the Italian Derby with Papa Power lining up.
It’s very difficult to gauge the form of the Italian horses, so we’re really don’t know what we’re up against, but we’re hoping he’ll run well. He’s in good form and I was pleased with his run at Ascot.
My dad won this race many years ago with Glint of Gold, so it’s one I’d really love to win. It’s an important race and we want to support Italian racing where we can.
Saturday runners
12:25 Ascot
Golden Crusader makes his debut, but I think he’ll need the racing experience before he’ll be competitive.
He’ll end up as a nice middle-distance horse in time, and that’s where we’ll see him at his best. This is a good race and, whatever he does in this, he’ll come on from.
15:00 Newmarket
I’m hoping the ground dries up a little for Bright Devil . If it’s slow and holding, as it was on Friday, then we’ll have to make a late call on his participation.
He’s a talented horse who won very well on his debut at Newmarket before getting stuck in the mud at Ascot, but he wasn’t totally disgraced.
If it does dry up and he runs to his debut form, then he’ll have a real chance.
15:35 Newmarket
Shine So Bright is another I’m hoping the ground dries up for since his optimum conditions would be good or quicker. The forecast is looking as though it might be kind, so it could work out.
He raced with plenty of his old zest at Epsom last week and, on his day, he can mix it at this level.
15:50 Ascot
Stone Of Destiny has got good course form and ran a cracking race at Royal Ascot.
He’s not the easiest to win with but we’ve been pleased with him since Ascot, so he could have a nice squeak.
16:25 Ascot
This looks a very strong race for the grade, so I think Table Mountain has it all to do.
She’s not overly well-handicapped off a mark of 70, so she’ll need to step up again to be competitive.
17:05 Salisbury
Auriferous is having his first run and, much like Golden Crusader, he will benefit from the experience of a race. I’m hoping he’ll be a nice horse in time.
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