Big Plans For Balding Fillies

Although ultimately well beaten in fourth place in last week's G1 Investec Oaks trainer Andrew Balding is still optimistic about the future for Horseplay (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) with a step up in trip likely to feature in future plans for the Cliveden Stud homebred. Horseplay had won the Listed Pretty Polly S. at Newmarket last month before her Oaks run and her trainer said, “She didn't come down the hill as well as we hoped, and expected, but Oisin [Murphy] couldn't pull her up until the rail near the end, which is a good sign.” He continued, “Hopefully she will be a force in group races over further. I think we will probably work back from the [G1] St Leger and see if she manages to win a nice race between now and then.” Balding also had Elbereth (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}) finish fourth in the day's other Group 1, the Investec Coronation Cup and she could be aimed at races further afield. “I am really pleased with Elbereth. She ran a great race. She should be a bit of fun travelling with in the autumn, and the [G1] Caulfield Cup is a possibility. She travels well, we know she has the ability to run well in that sort of race and it helps that she goes on any ground,” he said. Elbereth showed her aptitude for racing overseas last year when finishing second in a Group 2 at Veliefendi, Turkey and also when she ran third to Ventura Storm (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) in the G1 Premio Jockey Club at San Siro in Italy.