Balon d'Or

Balon d'Or made his winning debut at Musselburgh in April 2023, which gave his trainer Simon Dow reason for early optimism. Dow, based at Epsom, noted at the time that the horse showed versatility—a valuable trait in a race-by-race business—and seemed unaffected by different ground conditions. That promise has been partly borne out. On normal ground conditions, Balon d'Or has won 2 of his 9 races, a 22% win rate that stands well above his overall average, suggesting he performs noticeably better when the track isn't wet or muddy. At Chester, he's won twice in eleven races, making that course his stronghold even if the win rate there—18%—isn't spectacular in absolute terms.

The real story of Balon d'Or in 2024 is a horse hitting some form. His most recent start came just days ago, and before that he'd picked up placings in four of his last six races—three fourth-place finishes and a second—suggesting he's running consistently in better company or sharper form. More importantly, he won at Lingfield Park just two weeks ago, his first victory since August 2026. That win was his fourth career success, and it came after a long run without a breakthrough. With Simon Dow's yard continuing to send out winners at a steady clip, and Balon d'Or now showing signs of turning his consistency into results, there's scope for this horse to add a few more wins before the season closes.