BURDETT'S ON ROAD TO ASCOT

CHAMPION Hurdle runner-up Burdett Road puts his Royal Ascot aspirations to the test when he returns to the Flat for the Star Sports Henry II Stakes at Sandown this evening.

- BY ADAM MORGAN

James Owen's dual-purpose star has already tasted success at the Royal meeting when trained by Michael Bell in 2023, but will now attempt to tee-up a shot at the Gold Cup in this Group Three event after a fine season over obstacles.

Owen said: “We're 100 per cent looking forward to seeing him back on the Flat and he comes off a great season over hurdles.

“We've given him a little bit of a freshen up, his work has been good and he's fit and raring to go. He's got a Gold Cup entry at Royal Ascot and this will be his trial.”