Andrew Balding had yet another incredible season in 2025 when his domestic prize money earnings reached the gargantuan total of £7,246,798 and also another personal best numerically with 192 winners.
The Kingsclere trainer is no stranger to Classic success with Kameko (2020) and Chaldean (2023) giving him victories in the 2000 Guineas and Casual Look (2003) giving him success in the Oaks at Epsom but even those successes could be overshadowed if Item were to land the Derby on Saturday.
Currently second favourite at 4-1 to Benvenuto Cellini, the unbeaten Frankel colt underlined his credentials for the mile and half Classic when making a winning return in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York last month and his preparation has gone smoothly since.
The two star-studded mares See The Fire and Kalpana have already made healthy contributions with their, respective, victories in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York and the Group 3 Aston Park Stakes at Newbury and look set for further hauls. There is also plenty untapped potential in the yard that can unearth further major prizes.
With 80 winners so far, Balding looks certain to sail past the £2 million prize money barrier by the end of the week and that could even be £3 million should a much-desired Derby success be achieved.
With Epsom and Royal Ascot firmly on the agenda, Balding kindly talked to Tony Elves for attheraces.com about those from his team who will be setting their sights on valuable mid-summer prizes.
