Progressive Colt Provides Zoffany With Perfect Start To 2020

Stanford (3c Zoffany - Almost Always, by Galileo) built on some promising performances to make a successful return in Saturday’s Novice Stakes at Kempton.

The Andrew Balding-trained chesnut had been beaten a total of two lengths on his two previous starts, gaining placings each time. Not seen since October, he dropped back in trip to seven furlongs and was sent off second favourite under David Probert. The chesnut raced prominently for much of the way and was asked to quicken approaching the final furlong. Leading close home, he beat the favourite by half a length on the line.

Owned by MAR Blencowe, Stanford was bred by Coolmore out of Almost Always, herself closely related to Irish St. Leger third Flying Cross (Sadler’s Wells). Zoffany enjoyed a terrific 2019 season, highlighted by Albigna’s Group 1 success in the Prix Marcel Boussac, and will command €22,500 in 2020.