'We've aimed him at this race and think he's well handicapped' - trainer quotes and analysis for the Balmoral Handicap
There is always the draw conundrum to ponder in races on the straight track at Ascot and the nature of the Balmoral means low numbers should be at a slight advantage.
The stalls are positioned on the far side, which is typically where runners congregate in this. Significantly, since the race was restricted to a maximum field of 20 in 2015, five of the winners have come from the first four boxes.
An outside berth in stall 21 could spell trouble for fancied three-year-old Thunder Run, whose trainer Karl Burke (also runs Holloway Boy) has been mopping up big handicaps for fun lately.
Thunder Run might have always been well positioned to land a race at the Ebor meeting his owners sponsored last time, but he could be capable of much better after only five runs and should handle this different ground on pedigree.
He has the beating of Mirsky, Holloway Boy, Elnajmm and Bopedro on that piece of form, but a low draw proved handy all week on the Knavesmire and Elnajmm probably deserves another chance as he was berthed in box 17 there. He was previously impressive when scoring over course and distance and William Haggas landed this with a similar type in 2021.
Tom Marquand will have work to do once more aboard Elnajmm from box 14, though, and perhaps his connections would have preferred the draw allotted to the interesting Mr Professor (stall four). The Lincoln winner’s price has been on the slide all week, but that is understandable given his penchant for soft ground and the impression he created on Town Moor.
That is top handicap form and passed the clock test as he ran much quicker than Charyn did in the earlier Doncaster Mile. Mr Professor has presumably been kept back for this following four months off and has gone well fresh in the past.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders
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What they say
Karl Burke, trainer of Holloway Boy and Thunder Run
Holloway Boy has to carry lumps of weight again, but he likes the track and we're keen to have a crack at it. Thunder Run deserves to be favourite and is in really good form. He'll like the cut in the ground and the track should suit too.
William Knight, trainer of Sir Busker
He wouldn't want it too soft, although the ground was too quick at Ayr last time. He's had a break and goes into it as a fresh horse. He won off top weight at York and I think he'll run a big race.
Ed Walker, trainer of Popmaster
We're trying something new. He's in good form and should have no problems with the ground. He needs everything to go right for him to run a big race.
Marco Botti, trainer of Daysofourlives
He's in good order. We've kept him fresh for this race. Conditions are different to when he won at Doncaster last time, but he's versatile with the ground and a mile on a straight track won't be an issue. We hope he's a well-handicapped horse, as he always does just enough.
Julie Camacho, trainer of Lattam
He's in good form, but I'm not sure about the draw. We've been praying for rain and this has been our plan, so we've kept him fresh for it. We're hopeful, but the draw is the only question mark.
Reporting by James Stevens
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Champions Day previews:
3.55: Economics 'ready to go' again in Champion Stakes showdown with Calandagan and Los Angeles
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