Karl Burke has laid the foundations on his runners at Newcastle tomorrow and is looking forward to the return of Clifford Lee. Lee has been out of the saddle after suffering a seriously neck injury in a motorbike accident in October. The accident saw him suffer an internal bleed and broke his C1 vertebral. He wondered whether he’d ever ride again, but Burke has stated he’s ready for the long-awaited return.
Marshman will be the mount of Lee, who’s 5lbs lower when third in the Sprint Handicap last season. Speaking to the Sporting Life, Burke said: “Cliff has obviously had a tough time. He’s a good lad and he’s worked hard. He is naturally very, very fit and strong and he’s been back riding out. We’re delighted to see him back on the track.
“We ran Marshman over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton last time. He got stuck out wide and a bit too far back, I think he would have gone close but for that. Dropping back to a stiff six, as long as he jumps quickly, will help. Cliff gets a good tune out of him before. So as long as he doesn’t lose too much ground at the start, he should run another big race.”
“He warrants his place in a Listed race, that’s for sure” – Karl Burke
The opening race see’s the Amo Racing-trained Billecart line-up under Rowan Scott. The Night Of Thunder colt bolted up over course and distance last month. Burke said: “He’s a very good horse, this is a trial for us but I expect him to acquit himself well. I’d be a little bit worried about New Monarch in there. But this is a nice horse and he warrants his place in a Listed race, that’s for sure.”
Elsewhere, Three Non Blonde’s is set to take her place in the three-year-old Championships Handicap. The daughter of Ubettabelieveit has been in good form over the winter, and the cancellation of Chelmsford means Pierre-Louis Jamin is able to ride. “She’s done really well” said Burke. “Pierre-Louis Jamin rides her now, he was going down to Chelmsford to ride a nice horse. But that’s been called off so he’ll be back on Three Non Blondes.
“She’s had a little break and not been back with us that long. Maybe three or four weeks, to prepare for this. She should go there and run well but it’s a handicap and it was always the plan. Hopefully she’ll go well.”