Burke hopes Bickerstaffe can keep up sprint form

Karl Burke’s Bickerstaffe tests the water at Listed level in the Shadwell STUD/EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes at Ayr today.

The Mayson colt made a thoroughly impressive start to his career over five furlongs at Hamilton at the start of the month and returns to Scotland for a race his trainer won with subsequent Royal Ascot heroine and dual Group One winner Quiet Reflection five years ago.

Burke said: “I wouldn’t say I was surprised he won at Hamilton, but I was a bit surprised by the manner of his performance as he’s bred to stay further than five furlongs.

“He showed a very good turn of foot, the speed figures were very good and the second horse (Cottam Lane) gave the form a bit of a boost by winning at Beverley on Wednesday.

“I’ ve no doubt he’ ll improve when he steps up to six furlongs as there’s plenty of stamina on the dam’s side of his pedigree, but he showed so much speed first timeout we thought we’d stick at five for now. Hopefully he’ll run a big race.”

The Spigot Lodge han - dl er has a second string to his bow in the form of Rebel At Dawn. The son of Dandy Man has won just one of his seven starts to date, but has been keeping good company.

“He’s a solid horse who has shown a good level of ability,” Burke added. “He’s probably just short of Listed class over six furlongs, but coming back to five, he deserves his chance.”

Richard Fa hey and Kevin Ryan are represented by once-raced winners in Regional and Roman Encounter respectively.