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Bangkok out to defy penalty and claim Winter win

3 minute read

Balding runner leads the way in Windsor Group Three.

BANGKOK
BANGKOK  Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Andrew Balding expects Bangkok  to put up another decent show, despite being burdened with a 5lb penalty, in the Sytner BMW Sunningdale & Maidenhead Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor on Saturday.

The five-year-old has to carry the extra weight following a career-best display to win the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes last month.

That was his third victory in a busy year that included a trip to Riyadh, where he picked up £292,000 for finishing eighth behind Mishriff in the world's richest race, the Saudi Cup.

"He's got a 5lb penalty which makes it a tough assignment, but there are limited options for him and he seems well," said Balding.

"He's had a busy and productive season and hopefully he'll be there or thereabouts again."

Bangkok faces three rivals headed by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Solid Stone, who landed a Listed race over a mile on this course in May.

Harrovian, trained by John and Thady Gosden is a third five-year-old in the contest with Richard Hannon's three-year-old Fancy Man completing the quartet in the mile-and-a-quarter feature.

Extra Elusive, winner of the Winter Hill 12 months ago, is one of eight runners in the Sytner BMW Sunningdale & Maidenhead August Stakes over the extended one mile and three furlongs.

Among the seven opponents for Roger Charlton's charge is Desert Encounter, who took that prize in 2019.

David Simcock's admirable nine-year-old lifted this race in 2018 and was third in 2020.

The Balding stable is represented by Fox Tal, who has only won two of his 16 starts but has some good efforts to his name, including when a close third to Passion And Glory in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood last time.

"He's a funny horse, he's only won two races but he's run some very good races in defeat. We've just got a feeling Windsor might suit him," said the Kingsclere trainer.


At The Races

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