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Balding building strong team for international targets

3 minute read

Saudi Arabia and Qatar offer lucrative opportunities.

Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Oo De Lally  confirmed his place in Andrew Balding's team heading to the Middle East next month with his third win in a row at Newcastle.

The Kingsclere trainer has races in mind in Saudi Arabia and Qatar for the son of Qadamos, and is hoping he picks up an invitation.

Balding was delighted with Oo De Lally on Friday as he was having his first run for 100 days after scoring at Newbury and Kempton.

"He was really good. He needed the outing. We've got hopes of taking him to Saudi or Qatar at the end of February," he said.

"We just needed to get a run in somewhere. It was a couple of weeks earlier than what I wanted to run him, so he's done very well in the circumstances.

"He has an entry in Saudi and will have one in Qatar. We'll wait and see if we get an invitation to either and go from there."

Balding's team for the Middle East is likely to be headed by Berkshire Rocco.

Last year's St Leger runner-up is being aimed at the Amir Trophy in Doha, while Spanish Mission and Bangkok have entries at the Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh on February 20.

"The likelihood is Berkshire Rocco will go to Qatar for the Amir Trophy and we're hoping Spanish Mission and Bangkok, and possibly Happy Power as well, will go to Saudi," said Balding.

"And Oo De Lally will go where he's invited."


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