Hukum in top form as Leger decision looms

Horse Racing

Nick Robson
August 23, 2020 11:38 am

Doncaster appears ‘logical step’ for Royal Ascot hero.

A St Leger date has yet to be confirmed for Hukum – but trainer Owen Burrows admits it is the next logical step for his improving colt.

Successful at Royal Ascot in June, the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned colt returned from a minor setback to win the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury in impressive fashion.

The son of Sea The Stars is currently around 8-1 for the final Classic of the season, a race in which the likes of Irish Derby winner Santiago and William Muir’s Great Voltigeur hero Pyledriver promise to offer stern opposition.

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“Touch wood, he’s come out of the race very well, but nothing has been finalised as to where he’ll go next,” said Burrows.

Hukum already has a Royal Ascot victory to his name this season (Megan Ridgwell/PA)

“He certainly wasn’t stopping at either Ascot or Newbury, so I can’t see the trip being an issue, but I have to keep stressing he shows plenty of pace at home and is not simply a stayer.

“I thought William Muir’s horse was very impressive in the Great Voltigeur, especially with a penalty, but you’d have to say Aidan (O’Brien) appears to hold all the cards with Santiago and a few others.

“But, this year more than any, if you think you might have a horse for it you’ll be tempted to go.

“We’ll speak to Sheikh Hamdan, but the Leger does look the logical next step.”