Exclusive
FIVE TO FOLLOW
Top trainer Andrew Balding picks out his horses to watch this season including top-class Classic contender
He has some exciting horses to look forward to this season
TOP trainer Andrew Balding is back for another season writing exclusively for Sunracing.
He is a 16-time Group 1 winner and he has made a flying start to the season, currently sitting at the top of the trainers' championship.
1
Below he shares his five horses to follow from his Kingsclere stable heading into the 2024 Flat season.
SEE THE FIRE (3yo filly)
The daughter of Sea The Stars is a leading contender for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
She made a big impression when winning on her debut before finishing placed in Group 1 and Group 2 races on her next two starts.
She could well prove the stable star for Balding in 2024 with a host of big races on her agenda.
OFFERS OF THE DAY
Betfred: Get £50 in free bets -
BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets -
Tote: Get £30 in free bets + 50 free spins -
William Hill: Get £40 in free bets (mobile only) -
Betfred: *New customers only. 09:00 on 08/03/24 – 17:30 on 15/03/24. Register with CHELT50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports which settles before 23:59 on 15/03/24. Free Bets: £20 Horse Racing, £20 Football Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Full T&Cs apply.
BetMGM: New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 6 x Free Bets: 4 x £10 Horse racing, 2 x £10 Acca Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org
Tote: New customers online only. £10 min stake (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £30 Tote Credit + 50 Free Spins on selected game within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Tote credit subject to 7-day expiry. Free spins subject to 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleaware.org.
William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10 or more we will give you 4x £10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
BREAK THE BANK (3yo gelding)
The three-year-old son of Invincible Spirit is owned by Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
He is a brother to Beat The Bank, who won nine races and £600,000 in prize-money for the Balding stable.
The horse won first time out this year at Kempton before finishing sixth in a hot race at Newmarket last time out. Balding reckons he can win a nice handicap or two before the season is out.
ANZAC DAY (3yo colt)
Balding is excited by this good-looking colt, who won easily on his final start of 2023 holds an entry in the Derby at Epsom next month.
Most read in Horse Racing
The trainer said he'd had a slight setback earlier in the year so he faces a race against time to get him ready for the colt's Classic.
But he has high expectations for the horse heading into the 2024 season.
EQUITY LAW (3yo gelding)
Speedy sprinter who fluffed his lines first time out this year, but he has since hit the target at Sandown.
He showed a smart turn of foot that day and beat a good field, with the race likely to prove strong form.
Balding is plotting his way to Royal Ascot with Equity Law for a crack at the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes.
BERKSHIRE SMUDGE (2yo colt)
This unraced two-year-old is one of the sharper youngsters at Balding's yard.
He will make his debut at some point in the next few weeks and, provided he runs well, he could end up at Royal Ascot.
Balding and the same owner teamed up to win the Coventry Stakes with Berkshire Shadow three years ago.