By Peter Moore at Newbury Saturday 12th April 2025
Trainer Andrew Balding completed a 2,733-1 four timer on day two of the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Saturday.
The Kingsclere trainer started his outstanding afternoon by landing the opener on the card with Divina Grace in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes having just got up on the line to win by a short head under David Probert.
Balding’s three-year-olds already are beginning to look a fine crop, with a couple more losing their maiden tag on Saturday.
Point Of Contact just held on to gain his first win of his racing career after backing up his debut third at the same course eight months ago.
Further had been off for 169 days, but the increase in distance proved pivotal for the colt after running on well to win by 3 ¼ lengths to bring up champion jockey Oisin Murphy’s treble on the afternoon.
Balding, looks like he has another star among his ranks after Jonquil struck in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes.
Owned by Juddmonte, Jonquil was cut to 12-1 (from 50) with Paddy Power for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and could bid to land the same race connections collected with Chaldean in 2023.
Balding said: “It looks like a mile will suit him and this is always a good race, while he’s a well-balanced horse and I wouldn’t say Newmarket would be a problem, but we’ll discuss it first.”
Jonquil, who defeated Rashabar in the Watership Down Stud-sponsored race, was making his first start for the yard since moving from Sir Michael Stoute following his retirement. He had won on his debut at Sandown before disappointing in the Listed Flying Scotsman at Doncaster last September.
Balding said: “He was a smart horse last year on his debut and, although it didn’t go to plan second time out, we’ve had plenty of time with him. His work’s been great and I’m thrilled to win it.”
Trainer William Muir had reason to celebrate after bargain buy Ebt’s Guard captured the £70,000 Spring Cup.
Muir, who trains alongside Chris Grassick, was having his first winner on grass this season.
The four-year-old was purchased for only £5,000gns in 2002 and has been on a long loosing run of 0-13. However, since being gelded a career mark of 92 was enough to take the one mile Class 2 Handicap under Lewis Edmonds by a neck from Urban Lion.
There was a turn up for the books in the Class 1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes after Duty First powered her way to victory with Hollie Doyle aboard for Archie Watson at the odds of 33-1.