Karl Burke is far from perturbed with Zeus Olympios’ defeat at Sandown as his star colt remains on schedule for Group 1 success. The son of Night Of Thunder lost his unbeaten tag, with Opera Ballo reversing the Joel Stakes form. He raced keenly behind Godolphin’s, but despite travelling strongly, failed to deliver his customary turn of foot.
It was still a respectable comeback against top level milers, and Karl Burke is adamant he’ll come on strongly. Burke told the Racing Post: “he’s on the target for the Lockinge. He worked really well on Friday so we’re very happy with him.
“He’s definitely stepped forward from Sandown and we knew he would. I’m glad I gave him the prep. Or we’d have had to have been a bit harder on him at home. He’s taken a step forward. It will be an interesting race. It’s obviously going to be a good race, but I’m going there quietly confident.”
17 others were entered for the Group 1 on Saturday, including Sandown winner Opera Ballo. His stablemate Notable Speech also figures among the entries, who was met with defeat in Keeneland last time out. John & Thady Gosden are seeking a hattrick in the race and they field impressive Earl Of Sefton winner Damysus.
Knavesmire prep for prolific Fallen Angel
Karl Burke also gave the low-down on his York runners this week, including his five-time Group 1 winner Fallen Angel. The Too Darn Hot mare is entered in the Middleton, albeit Burke was quick to suggest she’ll need the run. “She could go there, but we’d want a bit more rain and some good ground. If it’s genuine good ground, she could well go there as a prep run. But whatever she does she’ll improve on it.
“If the ground is decent this will be her prep run for Ascot. She’ll go for the Group 2 fillies’ & mares’ race at Ascot. After that, you’ve all those nice Group 1 fillies’ and mares’ races. So that will be the aim, and hopefully we get the better ground.
The Middleton has attracted a competitive field of early entries. Last years 12 length winner See The Fire tops the betting after her reappearance success at Nottingham. Diamond Rain is a fascinating entry, as she returns on the back of two Group 1 second’s overseas. Juddmonte won this with Bluestocking in 2024 before Arc success, with Kalpana and Red Letter entered to emulate that success.