Symbolize poised to join stars of screen

SAM TURNER Britain’s No 1 Tipster

The hampshire stable of Andrew Balding was thrust into the spotlight by the Amazon Prime documentary Horsepower last week and SYMBOLIZE (Ascot, nb, 3.36) can steal the show for the same trainer this afternoon. Balding and his team, along with champion jockey Oisin Murphy, were followed by the cameras for nine months to give a fascinating portrayal of what goes on behind closed stable doors. Symbolize doesn’t get a mention, which is hardly a shock given a defeat of two Thirsk rivals is the only time he has put his head in front since a winning debut at Salisbury in May 2019. however, closer inspection reveals the selection’s two best efforts have been achieved at today’s venue on an easy surface with David Probert on board. Beaten by the talented Aldaary in this race last year (with Fresh a place behind in third), Symbolize also finished runner-up to the same conqueror a fortnight later over a mile in the Balmoral handicap. Aldaary has only been seen once since, when bolting up in a haydock Listed event from recent Doncaster scorer Bounce The Blues, but is now rated 117 and is a proven machine on his favoured soft ground. Symbolize was also only narrowly beaten by last week’s Newmarket Group Two winner Mutasaabeq at Thirsk this term, so continues to run at a high level despite not reaching the winner’s enclosure. The forecast rain would assist his claims and nullify those of one or two rivals.

REST OF SATURDAY’S RACECARDS AND YESTERDAY’S RESULTS PAGE 103