Andrew Balding added to AOTF

Following my trip to Catterick on Tuesday, I have carried out another couple of interviews for Ahead On The Flat. On Wednesday, I spoke to Andrew Balding and the head of Kingsclere was very generous with his time running through the pick of his team for 2021. Andrew trained Kameko to win the 2000 Guineas last year and sent out 106 winners in total. The exciting Alcohol Free won the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes last Autumn and is being trained with the 1000 Guineas in mind. Expect the Berkshire trainer to have another big season this year.

There will also be an interview with Sam Haggas in this year's edition of AOTF. The son of Newmarket trainer William, Sam formed his own bloodstock company, namely Hurworth Bloodstock nearly two years ago, and bought the subsequent Listed and Group 3 winner Miss O Connor in his first year as an agent. He was also involved in the purchase of Group 1 winning filly Urban Fox. The Hungerford based agent was busy towards the end of last year buying new stock for his clients. His new recruits, which are discussed in his article, are now in training with George Boughey, William Haggas and Tom Dascombe and others. There are some exciting prospects amongst them, including three in particular who are with his father. I am sure clients will find the interview both informative and profitable.

The full list for the Talking Trainers section in this year's AOTF is: Andrew Balding, Ralph Beckett, George Boughey, Roger Charlton, Clive Cox, Tim Easterby, William Haggas, James Tate and Roger Varian. 

The weights for the handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival were revealed on Wednesday. I will be having a proper look at those over the next few days as I continue to work on the One Jump Ahead Cheltenham Festival Update. Please head to the Publications section of the site to order a copy, if you haven't already done so.