Karl Burke has raised concerns as to whether star filly Venetian Sun may be in season prior to the July Cup. The daughter of Starman has long been the ante-pot favourite for the contest. Despite the concern, Burke suggested she’s worked well in the run up, and can adopt ‘superstar’ status.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Karl Burke said: “She did show a little bit of being in season yesterday, which we have never really noticed before. So we will keep an eye on that. She hasn’t shown any signs this morning, so hopefully that’s nothing.”
There was evident distress in Burke’s tone, as he said: “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t exercising me. Some fillies seem to cope with it, while it can affect others. I’m hoping she doesn’t show any signs of being in season for the rest of the week. It’s something we will monitor.”
Burke explained the nature of how being in season can affect a filly’s performance. Evolutionist won in Group 3 company on seasonal debut prior to her 1000 Guineas second. Subsequently, she finished down the field in the Prix De Diane.
“Evolutionist came into season an hour before we were saddling her in France, and she never ran her race” said Burke. “At the same time, Aidan O’Brien’s filly was showing she was in season in the pre-parade ring and she won. But did she put her best foot forward? I’m not sure.”
“I think potentially Venetian Sun could prove herself to be a superstar” – Karl Burke
Venetian Sun will line up against fellow Royal Ascot runners should all be well in Almeraq and Satono Reve. On those challengers, Burke said: “It was a tough finish for all of them but you can get sprinters back a lot quicker. I wouldn’t think, time-wise, it’s an issue for any of those horses.
“Form-wise, when you get four horses in a line, they are all very good horses, but are they superstars? I think potentially Venetian Sun could prove herself to be a superstar.”
Venetian Sun’s sole blip in her career was when down the field over a mile in the 1000 Guineas. “If she has a chink in her armour, we haven’t found it yet,” continued Burke. ”Maybe the distance is what gets her beaten, but over those sprint trips she is very good. We’ve had some really good sprinters come through the yard, but she is up there.”
Venetian Sun has been declared this morning, but it remains to be season whether she’ll participate if Burke’s concerns of being in season exacerbate.