The rapidly improving Newmarket-based James Owen looks ahead to a big weekend as he saddles two smart runners across the globe.
Despite only being granted his license in 2023, Owen has cemented himself as a shrewd dual-purpose trainer whose success range from five furlong sprinters to marathon chasers. Having acquired the backing of some big owners, Owen success has far from reached its’ pinnacle. One of those is The Rogues Galley syndicate, who saddle Rogue Diplomat in the Lincoln Handicap on Saturday.
The four-year-old son of Calyx made rapid improvement last Autumn having notched up a four-timer. The last two legs came on Town Moor, including at the St Leger meeting, which bodes well for the weekend.
Owen told the Racing Post: “He’s done really well from three to four and is a much stronger horse. I’ve never had a runner in the Lincoln, so it’s nice to be involved in it. I think he has a massive chance.” Though he hasn’t had a runner in the Lincoln, he did have a winner on the card last season as Destinado won the 4:45 Apprentice Handicap.
“He loves Doncaster and is working really well” continued Owen. “The Lincoln has been the plan since the end of last season. The straight mile should really suit his hold-up style. Harry Davies got on very well with him last year and is looking forward to riding him on Saturday.”
Burdett Road going for Gold in Dubai
Away from Doncaster, James Owen is also looking forward to running Burdett Road in the Dubai Gold Cup. Having acquired the horse from Michael Bell in 2023, Owen displayed his capabilities as a dual-purpose trainer when Burdett Road won his first two hurdling contests.
After finishing second to Sir Gino, he was kept fresh for a flat campaign, picking up Listed honours at Newmarket. Two months later, he won the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, completing an across-the-code headquarters double.
He’s spent the winter in the Middle East, placing twice, and now takes his chance in the valuable two-mile contest.
“Things didn’t go our way in Saudi. But it was a solid run last time” said Owen, regarding his third to Rebel’s Romance. “It’s obviously going to be competitive, but it’s lovely to be involved with our first runner on World Cup night. Fingers crossed we can get out there to watch him as well.
“He trains on the track every day and he’s settling well. In both runs at Meydan he’s settled well so fingers crossed he can relax over the trip and show his true ability.”