Big-race assignments are set to continue for Urban Lion following his success in the Lincoln on the opening day of the Flat turf season.
The five-year-old played a staring role in a fine afternoon for his trainer Jack Channon at Doncaster and having started the new campaign in a similar vein to last season, his handler is keen to see how far he can climb up the ranks this term.
An outing at Newmarket on Guineas weekend is a plausible next option, while the West Isley handler would also like another crack at the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, a race he was fifth in last season, beaten just over a length.
Channon said: “He’s up to 102 now so we’ll have to be looking at those big mile handicaps and as well as the odd Listed race here or there.
“He’s come out of it in great form and I do think he has improved a bit from last year. He’s a big horse and I do think he’s got better. It will be interesting to see what level he could reach, but we’re under no illusions it will be a lot tougher for him now.
“He’s got the option of the spring mile and he’s in the Suffolk Handicap over a mile and one. Then you’ve got a Hunt Cup to aim at over the summer as well and he seems in great form.”
