Jonquil cut to 12-1 for 2,000 Guineas after forming part of stunning 2,733-1 Andrew Balding four-timer

Andrew Balding could have another star among his ranks after Jonquil struck in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes to form part of a 2,733-1 four-timer for the yard.

Owned by Juddmonte, Jonquil was cut to 12-1 (from 50) with Paddy Power for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and could bid to land the same race connections collected with Chaldean in 2023.

Balding said: "It looks like a mile will suit him and this is always a good race, while he’s a well-balanced horse and I wouldn't say Newmarket would be a problem, but we'll discuss it first."

Jonquil, who defeated Rashabar in the Watership Down Stud-sponsored race, was making his first start for the yard since moving from Sir Michael Stoute following his retirement. He had won on his debut at Sandown before disappointing in the Listed Flying Scotsman at Doncaster last September.

Balding said: "He was a smart horse last year on his debut and, although it didn’t go to plan second time out, we’ve had plenty of time with him. His work’s been great and I’m thrilled to win it."

Jonquil (Oisin Murphy) beats Rashabar (Sean Levey) in the Greenham at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Murphy, who rode Kameko to success for Balding in the 2,000 Guineas in 2020, said: "I’d imagine he’d go for the Guineas if he’s healthy. You saw a really good horse and Rashabar is a fair benchmark. He cruised up to him and it’s only his third start so I’m very pleased. He’s the perfect specimen."

Earlier on the card, Balding scored in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes with 14-1 shot Divina Grace.

A Listed winner for Rae Guest last summer, the five-year-old daughter of Golden Horn stayed on well to deny Tabletalk by a short head, with Group 1 winner and 6-4 favourite Sunway two lengths back in third.

Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy after Jonquil's win in the GreenhamCredit: Edward Whitaker

Balding said: "She was really tough today. We were slightly guessing because we haven’t had her that long, but Rae had been very helpful with what she’s like at home. She showed us just how tough she is."

Victories for Point Of Contact in the mile maiden and Furthur in the 1m3f maiden completed a memorable four-timer for Balding and a treble for Murphy.

Betfred 2,000 Guineas (Newmarket, May 3)
Betfair: 11-2 Twain, 7 Shadow Of Light, 8 Scorthy Champ, Cosmic Year, 10 Ruling Court, 12 Jonquil, Expanded, 16 bar.

Money well spent

William Muir has reason to celebrate after cheap buy Ebt’s Guard registered a big payout in the £70,000 Spring Cup.

Muir, who trains alongside Chris Grassick, was returning to the winner's enclosure at the track for the first time in almost three years. He purchased Ebt’s Guard for just 5,000gns in November 2022 and is now eyeing a tilt at Royal Ascot.

Ebt's Guard: winner of the Spring Cup at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We'll look at the Royal Hunt Cup, why not?," he said. "He had the race won from miles out. 

"It's the first horse Jayant Pindolia has ever had and for five grand you get this. He wanted to come today but he was at a wedding and he'll be celebrating now."

Muir added: "It's great to be back and it's our first runner on grass this year. I didn't know how fit they all were, but he's been working extremely well."

Sweet success

Jonathan Portman ensured there was another local winner on the card as Sweet Reward scored in the concluding 1m2f handicap.

"He’s a great friend," said the Lambourn trainer. "I keep thinking he's too high in the handicap but then he goes and does it. He deserves that."

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