The Paul Mulrennan Column: Balalaika looks overpriced at 25-1

I’m certainly not a regular at Newbury, but I always enjoy my visits to the Berkshire track. I’ve ridden Listed and Group winners there previously - Mecca’s Angel and Euchen Glen - and have an interesting book of rides to look forward to this weekend.

Jim Goldie’s warrior Euchen Glen makes the journey south seeking a second Virgin Bet St Simon Stakes win (2.25pm). I realise that he’s facing a tough task, with the formbook showing that he has ground (five-plus lengths) to make up with Hamish from the Cumberland Lodge Stakes, but I’m hoping that we’ll finish in the money.

Jim is having a fabulous season, with a career-best 60 winners, and has already enjoyed success this week, with Call Me Ginger awarded the Portland Handicap on appeal. The going was heavy when Euchen Glen won the St Simon Stakes two years ago and he has enough - track, ground, and draw - in his favour. From stall one, I’ll be able to either make the running or alternatively drop-in behind.

Roarin’ Success (2.55pm) ran a nice race first time out at Salisbury. She was very green, so I’m sure she’ll come on a great deal for that experience.

That looked to be a hot race with the winner, Bluestocking, well-regarded by Ralph Beckett and the runner-up, Tony Montana, an expensive yearling. I rode Boltaway on various occasions for the Charltons' last year and I’m pleased to have been given the opportunity to partner this Roaring Lion filly.

Balalaika, a winner on second start at Newcastle, takes a step up in grade to tackle the Listed Galloping To Give Stakes (3.30pm) for Rebecca Menzies and Lady Ogden. Rebecca believes that she has improved again since winning and deserves to take her chance.

I was surprised to see that she’s a 25-1 shot. I thought she would have been nearer the 10-1 mark. I’ve ridden Balalaika previously, on her debut, and suspect that she will be capable of outrunning her odds.

Rebecca has proved herself to be a more than capable trainer, whether it be with a five-furlong horse on the Flat or a three-mile chaser. Given suitable ammunition, she isn’t afraid to aim her horses high with Stormy Girl, a Pontefract Listed winner during the summer of 2020, being the most obvious example.

The Vertem Futurity is the final domestic Group One of the year, with conditions likely to be testing on Town Moor. Aidan O’Brien saddles the favourite, Auguste Rodin, and the Navan maiden winner Salt Lake City.

O’Brien’s Luxembourg emulated the exploits of stablemates Kingsbarns (2012), Saxon Warrior (2017) and Magna Grecia (2018) by taking this last year and is already ante-post favourite for the Cazoo Derby on the strength of his Irish Champions Weekend (KPMG Champions Juvenile) win.

Auguste Rodin is a justifiable favourite but whether he represents value at odds-on is questionable. Therefore, at a bigger price, I suggest taking a punt on Karl Burke’s Holloway Boy.

Despite appearing green and a little raw, I thought he ran well in Newmarket’s Autumn Stakes. Furthermore, I recall my wife, Adele, saying that he was very laid back in the paddock at Royal Ascot before winning the Chesham, so it’s interesting to see that his trainer has elected to fit a visor.

His form is very closely matched with the second favourite Epictetus, so if the visor can eke out even another 1 per cent or so, I envisage Holloway Boy running a massive race with Danny Tudhope returning to the saddle.

Next week begins with a double-header on the Tapeta at Newcastle. Vindobala ran a nice race off topweight there the other day, despite her rivals not going quick enough for her.

She’s coming to hand and, from a reasonable mark, could be the type to do well during the winter.