Balding takes the Biscuit

Andrew Balding claimed only his second two-year-old winner of the season in front of a vibrant bank holiday crowd at Epsom today.

Balding's chestnut, John Biscuit, was making his debut in the Ashley Centre EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes and he was kept away from the cut and thrust in the early stages by Jimmy Fortune.

The 16-1 shot hit the front soon enough but managed to survive a belated challenge from 11-10 favourite Noonenose by a neck.

"We have always liked him, but he has been a bit stop-start at home and he should go on from this," said Balding.

"We only had our first two-year-old winner recently and we have plenty more to come out. This one should be able to win a nice race."