Sunday 18 March 2012

Andrew Balding's 2YO Picks For 2012

The Horses In Training 2012 publication written by Richard Lowther is a great starting point for the new Flat turf season. With HCE specialising in 2yo racing, it gives insight to the success or decline of stables large and small. This post will highlight the most prized picks of Andrew Balding's juveniles. The Kingsclere handler is set for a fantastic season.

One of the first things I noticed is that Andrew Balding trains ten juveniles for HRH The Queen. In total, Balding has a string of sixty one two-year-olds. Most  influential owners include: George Smith, J.C.Smith, Mrs Fitri Hay, Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, Pearl Bloodstock & Kirsten Rausing.   

Some of the most expensive purchases include Absolutely So a colt by Acclamation out of Week End costing £230,000, owned by Jackie & George Smith. Race And Status went for more and from first-season sire Raven's Pass. They dug even deep for an unnamed filly by Royal Applause at £260,000. Another colt is called Soviet Rock

Dr P. Brown has splashed the cash with an unnamed bay colt by Holy Roman Emperor costing over  £100,000.  

Kennet Valley have an American-bred chestnut colt called Daylight by Firebird at £70,000.  

Interesting to see Mrs Fitri Hay who have four juveniles at Park House Stables. Never lacking in the money department they have buys ranging from £16,000 - £200,000. Here Comes When is an April colt by Danehill Dancer with a price tag of  £139,572. The most expensive by the same stallion called Melvin The Grate. Another colt is called Not Rigg. (Although expensive, she has a filly named Ardingly costing £300,000 trained with Roger Varian. No doubt on further examination there will be one or two with the million pound price tags.)

Pearl Bloodstock Limited have made an impact with a few handy juveniles in recent years and Balding has a couple of expensive purchases. Pearl Bounty - a chestnut colt by Bahamian Bounty - fetched £120,000. While bay colt, Pearl Castle, by Montjeu went for £150,000.   

With so many influential owners, well-bred juveniles and a trainer with a great racing heritage, Andrew Balding could well surpass past glories.