Highland Colori to end season in style for Balding and Probert

Andrew Balding’s Highland Colori has improved 17lbs this season and has not looked back since winning the Ayr Gold Cup in September. The five-year-old was far from disgraced when fifth to Fiesolana in a Group 2 at Newmarket before winning a Conditions race at Doncaster.

Star apprentice Oisin Murphy was on board for his two most recent victories but David Probert gets the leg up on Saturday. Jack Dexter was back in third at Ayr and re-opposes on 5lbs better terms.

Jim Goldie’s sprinter has also been in the form of his life this season and got within half a length of Slade Power in the Group 2 British Champions Sprint at Ascot. He will be a popular choice in a typically competitive end of season sprint.

Last year’s winner Eton Rifles ran an encouraging race behind Steps at Ascot last month and will again be a threat. Hoof It has been hinting at a return to form whilst Morache Music and Spinatrix fought out the finish at the last meeting here.

The Balding and Probert team also have claims in the featured November Handicap where Communicator bids to go one better than 12 months ago. He has had a light campaign and has sneaked in on a 3lbs lower mark as a result.

The betting market suggests that a big run is expected from the William Haggas-trained Conduct. He is yet to race over this trip but has very few miles on the clock and could be open to improvement.

Haggas could be in for a good day as he has leading chances in the two opening races. Resolute (12.05) showed plenty of promise when second at Yarmouth on his debut whilst Penny Drops (12.40) was beaten by a useful sort in Cape Factor at Newmarket.

Richard Hannon’s Black Caesar could be the answer to a tricky looking Nursery at 1.15 and Lincoln winner Levitate bids to end the season in the same way that he began with victory in the 1.50.

Selections: 12.05 Resolute, 12.40 Penny Drops, 1.15 Black Caesar, 1.50 Levitate, 2.25 Highland Colori, 3.00 Cushion, 3.35 Communicator, 4.05 Four Winds