Burke delighted with Newmarket hope Laurens

Trainer Karl Burke says he couldn’t be happier with Laurens as she goes for another Group One victory on Saturday at Newmarket.

The three-year-old takes on nine rivals in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, aiming for her fifth Group One success.

Laurens impressed when winning the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last month and Burke says everything is in place for another victory.

“Laurens looks to be in great form and is spot on physically – her weight is almost identical to when she left the yard for Leopardstown to run in the Matron. Her coat is in perfect condition and I am very happy with her,” he said in the Yorkshire Post.

“There are no indications whatsoever that the long season is taking its toll. We purposely gave her a midsummer break after the Diane (French Oaks) to avoid that with her autumn campaign in mind.

“She has run at Newmarket twice before, winning a Group One and finishing second in a Classic, so the straight mile clearly suits her. There is a bit of rain forecast prior to race time so conditions should be perfect for her.”

Hopes are high for the John Dance-owned filly and Burke already has his eye on what could come next with Champions Day at Ascot a distinct possibility.

He added: “A lot depends on what happens on Saturday but, all things being equal, there is every chance she will have another run this year. She could go to Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot (October 20) or the Breeders? Cup – those are her options.

“Having a horse of mine bidding for a fifth Group One is not a position I really thought about at the start of my career. It?s fantastic to finally be getting hold of this sort of horse and I just hope that it continues.”