Royal Ascot glory - thanks to Balios

19 June 2015

TRAINER David Simcock registered his first ever Royal Ascot winner this afternoon with Balios delivering a top-notch display in the King Edward VII Stakes.

The Shamardal colt, owned by Al Asayl Bloodstock, took the step up to a mile and a half in his stride, given a superb ride by jockey Jamie Spencer.

It was only Balios' third career start but he showed that he is on a fast-track progression, building on a promising seasonal bow at Newmarket where he was second in Listed company over 10 furlongs.
Spencer gave the perfect hold-up performance aboard the imposing chestnut. bringing him from last to first.
The 3/1 shot collared Mr Singh just inside the final furlong and strode on in powerful fashion for victory by a length and a quarter.
Reflecting on his maiden success at the Royal meeting, Simcock said: "It's not a monkey off my back, but it's a huge relief.
"We've always liked this horse and made that clear. I said to Jamie, give him a ballsy ride and he got it so right.
"When a jockey likes a horse - and Jamie likes this one - it makes a massive difference."
Spencer revealed that the horse did an outstanding piece of work last week and he reproduced that on the track in this Group 2 for his second win from three starts.
He also added that there is "plenty of improvement" for connections to look forward to.
Hopefully, then, there will be many more exciting days ahead for Trillium Place with the progressive Balios.