Balding one-two in Cesarewitch

Kingsclere trainer Ian Balding landed a famous one-two in the Tote Cesarewitch at Newmarket today when Distant Prospect came with a storming late run to pip his stable companion Palua in the shadow of the post.

Litzinsky and Spunkie cut out the early running in the two and a quarter mile contest but they were brushed aside when handicap snip and 7-2 favourite Alleluia took over with three furlongs left to go.

But punters` cheers were soon extinguished when 66-1 shot Palua was sent into the lead by 7lb claimer Michael Doyle with a quarter of a mile left to travel and the four-year-old looked to have the Stg£78,000 first prize in his sights as the market leader faded.

But Martin Dwyer had the move covered and drove 14-1 chance Distant Prospect up to land the spoils by a neck. Give Notice, 33-1, was one and three-quarter lengths back in third with another 66-1 shot Establishment in fourth.

Balding, who has won the Cesarewitch twice before with Centurion in 1978 and with Top Cees two years ago, was repeating Mark Johnston`s feat, who saddled Spirit Of Love and Etterby Park to occupy the first two places in 1998.

Dwyer admitted he was concerned when Palua went for home.

He said: 'I was worried for a minute but I travelled so well. He travelled like a demon.

'I have had a great year - 51 winners this year and a few big winners which is nice.

'It`s a tough race but when you have got a good horse that travels, it`s a lot easier. It was just a matter of getting out. We would have been an unlucky loser if we had not got out.'

Doyle added: 'Martin was on a better horse at the end of the day.'

Andrew Balding, assistant to his father, said: 'We have been praying for rain. Martin gave him a smashing ride. He has done it well.

'It`s a shame they had to run against each other but we are very proud of them both.'