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.