Burke wants rain to hold off for Jersey Stakes hope

Karl Burke is hoping Ascot avoids any heavy downpours to boost Lord Of The Lodge’s chance in the Jersey Stakes.

The North Yorkshire trainer has been pleased with the way the course has taken the odd shower and can see last season’s Gimcrack Stakes runnerup playing a big part in today’s Group Three over seven furlongs.

Lord Of The Lodge has the benefit of a run at Newcastle in February under his belt – and although he won that day, Burke senses there was plenty to work on, and he is much happier with him now.

“I’m looking forward to running him, but I’d be disappointed if we got too much more rain. I’m hoping it will hold off,” he said.

“He’s proven on good, fast ground. I think he’ll handle a bit of cut, and he’s in great form. He’ll strip much fitter than he did at Newcastle in February. You will see a different horse, I hope.”

There will be strong opposition from the likes of John Gosden’s unbeaten King Leonidas and Roger Varian’s smart colt Molatham, while Aidan O’brien is doubly-represented by King Of Athens and Monarch Of Egypt.

Connections of Fox Tal believe the lightly-raced four-year-old can build on his excellent run in last season’s Champion Stakes in the Wolferton Stakes.

The Andrew Baldingtrained colt was fourth to Magical, beaten only three and a quarter lengths in the mile-and-a-quarter Group One in October and returns to the Berkshire track for his reappearance.

He could have tried his luck in another Group One, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, but it was felt this Listed contest was the right option for his comeback.

“It was between this and the Prince of Wales’s. He’s a very exciting horse,” Alistair Donald, racing manager for owners King Power Racing, told Sky Sports Racing.

“A bit like Fox Chairman, he is lightly raced as he’s had a few niggles, and we’ve really looked after him. We’re hoping he can really come to fruition in Group One class this year.”