High Stock was another early-season winner for Andrew Balding when making a taking debut to claim the bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes at Newmarket.
The one-mile event for unraced three-year-olds has the capability to throw up some talented winners and the son of Dubawi could have a bright future ahead of him judged on his professional opening display.
It was Archie Watson’s Spy Kingdom in the Qatar Racing silks that led the field along under Oisin Murphy, but on the stands side High Stock was moving into contention stylishly as the race began to unfold in the hands of David Probert.
To his credit Spy Kingdom refused to lie down as the duo moved clear in the closing stages, but High Stock was always getting the better of his rival and edged his way victory at odds of 11-2.
Balding said: “He’s a horse we like a lot, I thought it might be a bit sharp for him today because he’s going to stay further in time, but David gave him a lovely ride and he just got it done.
“I don’t know about that (a Classic trial next). He’s not in the Dante or anything and there’s always Royal Ascot if we need more time and I think that’s more likely.
“There were a lot of good looking, well-bred horses in the race today so there’s every chance it will work out and our horse should improve for the run.
“He’s done half what some of the others have done at home really because he had a few niggles last year, but we’ve always liked him and I think we’ll try a bit further next time.”
There was a double on the card for Balding and Probert when Spanish Voice (7-2) opened his account at the second attempt in the bet365 EBF “Confined” Novice Stakes.
The son of Lope De Vega cut a lone figure sauntering down the Rowley Mile well clear of his rivals and although it looked like he was going to be reeled in by the pursuers, he showed a great attitude to hold on for a half-length victory.
“He just has to learn to relax a bit early on and do things the right way round as he definitely has a lot of ability,” said Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager to Spanish Voice’s owner Saeed Suhail.
“David didn’t want to fight him and Andrew had told him whatever he does, don’t fight him. What I liked was even though he went those hard fractions, when they came to him, he found a bit more.
“I think he just races on his nerves a bit and is a bit immature, but he’s learning.”
When asked if he could run in a Derby trial next, Robinson added: “Maybe, but we will have to have discussions and see.”
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