Andrew Balding

Smart Crystal Ocean Colt Follows Up For Balding

Wild Waves (3c Crystal Ocean – Guenea, by Sinndar) followed up last month’s maiden victory with another smart performance at Doncaster on Saturday.

Andrew Balding’s charge got off the mark over a mile and a half at Kempton and was sent off favourite as stepped up to a mile and six furlongs in Saturday’s Class 2 contest. Positioned towards the back of the field by Danny Tudhope, he made smooth headway from three furlongs out and was pushed along to lead a furlong later. Ridden approaching the final furlong, he kept on well to score by a length and a quarter.

Owned by Jeremy & Germaine Hitchins, Wild Waves was bought by Balding as a yearling for 135,000gns. He hails from the first crop of world champion Crystal Ocean, who is responsible for four winners from seven runners to date. His progeny are expected to prove popular at the upcoming Goffs Arkle and Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale, having sold for up to €120,000 as foals.