Saints fan Balding admits to soft spot for The Foxes after smooth maiden victory

Saturday: Goodwood

Andrew Balding scoffed at the suggestion his beloved Southampton could be in danger of dropping out of the Premier League this season, but his nod to connections to name The Foxes, who landed the 7f maiden, could prove inspired.

Predictably, The Foxes runs in the blue colours of King Power Racing, which is part of a group that also owns Leicester City.

"We've always thought a lot of him," said the Saints fan. "I told his owners to pick a really good name for this horse because from early on we thought he was probably quite good – hopefully it will work out."

The King Power silks could become a rarer sight on British racecourses, but bloodstock agent Alastair Donald, who helps manage the Srivaddhanaprabha family's equine affairs, is also optimistic they have a fine prospect on their hands.

"We've always thought this was a special horse, but his run in the Chesham at Royal Ascot was a non-event," he said. "They reserved this name for a while and we waited for what we thought might be a good one. Hopefully he is."

Regarding investment at the forthcoming yearling sales, Donald added: "We'll see. I'm sure it will be business as usual. We have fewer two- and three-year-olds in training now and we're quite heavy on older horses because they haven't bought as many youngsters in the last few years when Vichai was alive.

"Khun Top, his son, loves it and they're breeding quite a few horses from a dozen high-quality mares. We have slightly fewer horses, but the enthusiasm is still there and they were over for Royal Ascot and would usually come to Goodwood, but are in Thailand on business."

Marquand times it right

Maureen Haggas may have wished there was a radio link-up between her and rider Tom Marquand during the Group 2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes, for while it was an uncomfortable watch for Haggas her rider felt confident he was always going to come out on top aboard Sea La Rosa in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

The discomfort had been brought on by the enterprising ride of Jason Hart on Urban Artist, who kicked ten lengths clear inside the final half a mile as Marquand sat quietly on Sea La Rosa.

Even as the leader started to be caught, Marquand was at pains to play his hand as late as possible, convinced of his filly's toughness and talent but aware of her idleness in front.

Sea La Rosa (right) wins the Lillie Langtry from Urban Artist (left) and Emily DickinsonCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It was a game of cat and mouse really," Marquand said. "It was a case of just trying to judge it right to get there and not give anything enough time to come back at her as she doesn't do much in front.

"Some horses give you more confidence than others going around and you can almost feel this filly gritting her teeth in the race."

Hart had elected to make the most of Urban Artist's stamina having spoken with trainer Hughie Morrison, and said of the runner-up: "I thought coming inside the furlong I was still going to hang on, but she kept galloping to the line and is Group 2-placed now, which is really important for her."

De la Sayette stars

The race to be champion jockey might be over with William Buick firmly in charge, but the apprentice title could be more interesting given the tussle Harry Davies is locked in with Benoit de la Sayette, who won the 1m6f handicap on Godolphin's Trawlerman.

He is trained by John and Thady Gosden, who said: "Benoit is riding very well – as he always has done – and the horse is not the most straightforward."

De la Sayette, who also struck on Caius Chorister at Goodwood on Friday, had a different view of Trawlerman and described him as a gentleman before saying: "It's unbelievable to think that this year has flown as smoothly as this.

"I'm overwhelmed with how things are going at the minute and hopefully they carry on."

Benoit de la Sayette is interviewed on ITV after winning aboard TrawlermanCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bailey buzzing

Jump jockey Tom Scudamore presented the prizes after the Stewards' Cup and there was a link to the winter code in the final race of Glorious Goodwood 2022 as the Kim Bailey-trained Ajero struck in the 1m1f handicap under Jim Crowley.

Bailey, who has a Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle on his CV, but was sporting a natty Panama, said: "I thought I ought to look the part.

"I did say to Jim that no-one here would know who I am and he said at least he did.

"Running him on the Flat has been a great adventure."

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