ANDREW BALDING had an unforgettable week at Royal Ascot in 2021 when his four winners almost helped him lift the trainers’ title, with only the place countback denying him the crown.
Berkshire Shadow (Coventry Stakes), Sandrine (Albany Stakes), Alcohol Free (Coronation Stakes) and Foxes Tales (Golden Gates Handicap) were the quartet of Ascot sizzlers for the Kingsclere trainer, and coincidently, all four return to the meeting again in their attempts to increase Balding’s tally of 10 winners.
Alcohol Free, with three Group 1s under her belt, is likely to try and rediscover her sprinting qualities in the Platinum Jubilee, but there would not be more popular winners if The Queen’s King's Lynn and/or Tactical could find the form to see them enter the Royal winners' enclosure.
Balding said: “It was amazing to win four races last year but we have to be realistic and would happily settle for one winner this time. The horses are in good form, and we will give it our best shot.”
Balding kindly spoke to Tony Elves for attheraces.com about his assembled team for five days of top-class action, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Watch every race of Royal Ascot 2022 live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 535) from Tuesday 14th June to Saturday 18th June.