Flora Of Bermuda flowers for Balding in early Newmarket exchanges Andrew Balding enjoyed an early double at Newmarket on 2000 Guineas day, with both Flora Of Bermuda and Double Rush shining on the Rowley Mile. It was Flora Of Bermuda who kicked things off in the Oddschecker Ellen Chaloner Stakes, wearing down Rosy Affair in the nick of time. The consistent performer was dropping to Listed level for her return to action having campaigned at the highest level throughout last season and was sent off at 7-2 in the hands of James Doyle. It looked like the six-furlong event was heading the way of George Boughey’s Rosy Affair as she made a bold bid from the head of affairs, but the Wathnan Racing number one conjured up a fine finishing effort from his mount to register a head verdict over the brave front-runner. Balding said: “She’s deserved that, she’s so versatile in terms of ground and conditions and it was great to see her get head in front again – it tees us up nicely for the rest of the year. “I was worried George’s horse had nicked it from the front, but it was a brilliant ride from James and he timed it just right. “I’d hope she will improve through the year and she’s got to keep having a go at all the big races and hopefully get the luck.” The winner was cut to 16-1 from 20s by Paddy Power for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting. Balding added: “I think we’ll be straight to Ascot now what with the brief for Wathnan horses so we’ll look forward to that.” The Kingsclere handler soon struck again when 4-6 favourite Double Rush followed up his convincing win over track and trip last month in fine style under Shane Foley in the Betfred Handicap. “He’s a very nice and that all went smoothly, he did it very well,” said Balding. “This was very much the plan after last time, it was early closing (entries) and we were well in. “It’s an important meeting to have winners at and the team were very keen to run him. “The field had cut up a fair bit and I’m thrilled with the way he did it. Quite possibly he’ll go for a Group race next.”
