The Coverham-based Karl Burke yard has enjoyed plenty of success at the top level. But the rapidly rising upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down having hit the £1 million prize money mark in his fastest ever time.
Despite just four winners from his last 45 runners, a strong weekend saw him break the barrier. Love A Giggle picked up £39,697 having won the Listed Marygate Stakes at York. Zeus Olympios recouped £43,040 from his third placed effort in the Group 1 Lockinge. Thunder Run was second at York in a handicap, but was still rewarded with £14,502.
Karl Burke will certainly not rest on his laurels, and is hoping Alparslan can bolster the prize pot. The Dandy Man colt is set for the Irish 2000 Guineas this weekend, having been ruled out of Newmarket due to the ground. He made a winning reappearance in the Greenham, making all to fend off the excellent Zavateri.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Karl Burke said: “I’m very happy with him, he’s been in great form and he’s definitely come on from the Greenham. We had him geared up and ready to go for Newmarket. But the ground turned against us and was too fast, so we decided not to go.
“He’s had an easy week after that and we’re just picking him up. He’ll do a little piece of work on Tuesday. As long as he comes through that, he’ll be heading over to Ireland. He’s a winner at the track, which is an obvious plus. There’s just a slight question mark about the trip, but that’s what we’ll find out on Saturday.”
Alparslan won the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes at the Curragh last season. By Dandy Man out of a Toronado mare from the family of crack sprinter Erosandpsyche, Burke is naturally unsure regarding the trip.
Spycatcher and Hope Queen to join Burke’s Irish raid
Alparslan will be accompanied by Spycatcher and Hope Queen. The latter hasn’t been seen since landing a Listed contest at Sandown in July, but remains highly promising. “Hope Queen picked up an injury in her last run at Sandown. We couldn’t run her again for the year” remarked Burke.
”It’s a big ask but it’s the owners’ wish to have a go. She’s been stepping up in her work nicely over the last few weeks. She’s very tough, so we’ll see how we go.”
It’s been an excellent start for the yard, but Burke has had to be patient with his juveniles. “It’s great. The only thing is we’re behind with the two-year-olds. They’re starting to come to hand now, though. We had a couple of juveniles win in recent days and they’re beginning to kick into gear. We’ve got a big team and I know there’s more to come.”