Danger abounds at Bath as Balding’s filly looks set to strike

Grace And Danger can finally hit the mark in Listed company in the British Stallion Studs EBF Beckford Stakes at Bath.

Andrew Balding is clearly convinced this Teofilo filly is capable of striking at this level, because she will be having a fifth attempt here. She kicked off the year by finishing fourth in the Cheshire Oaks, but could not build on that when tried in the Height Of Fashion Stakes, and Balding then gave her a mid-season break.

Clearly refreshed, Grace And Danger returned to take second in the August Stakes at Windsor – while her recent third place, stepped up to an extended 12 furlongs at Chester, suggested there could still be plenty more to come.

She switches up again to a mile and six furlongs, which looks likely to suit, and the conditions of this race put her at a sizeable advantage over all of her rivals.

Stag Horn looked a future winner when third last time out, and can realise that potential in the Download The Star Sports App Now/EBF Novice Stakes.

Third over a mile on his debut, Archie Watson’s runner moved up to 10 furlongs at Goodwood – and after taking a while to get going, he stayed on to claim third, two lengths behind the winner.

That was a decent effort, and he looks likely to strike over this trip as a juvenile before being stepped up again next year.

Junooh hosed up at Beverley and can bag another prize in the Kier Partnering With Pasic Handicap at Nottingham.

He handled testing ground with aplomb on the Westwood, seizing control with a couple of furlongs to run before pulling sixth lengths clear at the line.

Sir Michael Stoute’s runner has an opening mark of 78, and that might prove quite generous because he will certainly go on the forecast heavy ground.

BATH: 1.40 Secret Potion, 2.10 Jeanie B, 2.45 Stag Horn, 3.20 GRACE AND DANGER (NAP), 3.50 Cochise, 4.25 Gamesters Icon, 4.55 Manucci.

NOTTINGHAM: 1.55 Zegalo, 2.30 So I Told You, 3.05 She’s A Unicorn, 3.40 Junooh, 4.10 Ainsdale, 4.45 Prestbury Park, 5.15 Skeetah.

WETHERBY: 1.50 Zeb Spirit, 2.20 Cool Possibility, 2.55 Beakstown, 3.30 Dino Boy, 4.00 Cracking Find, 4.35 Victarion, 5.05 Wishfull Dreaming, 5.35 Lucky Lover Boy.

DOUBLE: Grace And Danger and Junooh.

Andrew Balding