Venetian Sun’s participation in the Prix Maurice de Gheest will be decided next week having had her preparations cut short. The Starman filly was second in the July Cup, but picked up a cut during the contest.
She has been a sensation this season after failing to stay the mile in the 1000 Guineas. Returning to six furlongs, she was a three length winner of the Sandy Lane Stakes. She took her six furlong record to 5-5 in the Commonwealth Cup, before just falling short at Newmarket.
That was a strong performance against the elders, but she’ll need to impress in her next work to contest in France.
Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing TV, Karl Burke said: “Everything is good. But it was just a little nick underneath the joint in an area. Where if we kept exercising her, and that joint is obviously moving. If the cut doesn’t heal properly then it can cause more problems.
“It wasn’t a big cut, but it was enough to have to wrap her up for four or five days. And let her heal properly before she started exercising. She missed a week’s worth, but she’s quite a clean-winded filly. She’ll do a piece of work on Friday. Then I’ll be back to see her do a good piece on Tuesday. Before we decide if we go or not.”
Quick ground a ‘concern’ suggests Burke
While she’s run very well on a firmer surface on multiple occasions, Burke has always been adamant she’s better with cut. That was part of the concern prior to Newmarket, and Burke outlined those concerns once more.
“We’ll also keep an eye on the ground as well” said Burke. “And they’re definitely not watering as much as they once did in France. So ground would be a concern as well, but apart from this she’s in great shape.
“It was a really good run albeit she got beat at Newmarket. I think with any cut in the ground she’ll find another couple of lengths on those horses.
“The Prix Maurice de Gheest is another half-furlong and I think she’ll get it, but that’s another slight question mark. We’ll make a decision next week and it might be we decide to wait for Haydock. Then there is Champions Day and maybe Breeders’ Cup.”
Karl Burke may also send Zeus Olympios to France, provided Bow Echo doesn’t go. He said “I’m hoping Zeus will go for the Prix Jacques le Marois.
“I’ll have to speak to George. We’ve sent Ice Max down there to him to lead Bow Echo in his last few pieces of work before the Sussex Stakes. I know he was quite keen to back his fellow up in two weeks. But hopefully he doesn’t and we can run Zeus.”