Horse Racing News: Burke Hopeful Night Raider Can Bounce Back at Royal Ascot
Trainer Karl Burke is hopeful that Night Raider can bounce back from his defeat in the Qipco 2000 Guineas when he runs in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday, June 22.
The son of Dark Angel looked an interesting outsider for the Guineas after an impressive display in a novice event at Southwell in March, but he could only manage a 10th-place finish behind Notable Speech at Newmarket. However, Burke is hoping the drop in trip to seven furlongs can help the colt prove himself a Group-class performer at the prestigious Royal meeting.
“We’re aiming him at the Jersey Stakes. He worked this morning (Tuesday, June 11) and he’s got another piece of work to do, which he’ll do at the end of this week. I think he’s a horse with a lot of ability, he just didn’t show it in the Guineas. Everything went wrong for him there, he got very keen and he over-raced, it just didn’t happen, but consequently Danny [Tudhope] didn’t give him a hard time.”
Burke remains hopeful that the drop in distance can bring out the best in Night Raider, who the trainer believes could even be effective over six furlongs.
“He’s training nicely now and we’re very hopeful. Seven furlongs should be fine. You could even drop him back to six, he’s not short of speed.”
Another three-year-old from Spigot Lodge that was beaten by Notable Speech is Native Warrior, who finished fourth in the Kempton race. Burke has his sights set on the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot for the Wootton Bassett colt, who he believes could be well-handicapped if he gets into the three-year-old-only handicap.
“He’s a lovely horse. I think he’s a Group horse in the making. He’s working very well. We specifically went for a little maiden to try and protect his mark for the Britannia. Hopefully we get in off 90 now, that’s the next thing. If we get in I think he’s very well-handicapped. We’re only thinking of the Britannia at the moment, but I do think later in the year you’ll see him in Listed and Group 3 races.”
The full Royal Ascot stable tour and video interview from Spigot Lodge will be published on Sporting Life later this week, featuring updates on other horses in Burke’s string, including Fallen Angel, Elite Status, and Holloway Boy.
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