Doncaster specialist Rogue Diplomat will bid to bring up what would be a phenomenal five-timer in the William Hill Lincoln on Saturday week – on a day where James Owen also has high hopes for Burdett Road in Dubai.
The Newmarket handler’s attentions are sure to be split between the action on Town Moor and out in Meydan as he targets big prizes on two continents, but he is relishing a return to South Yorkshire with his improving four-year-old, who struck twice at Doncaster at the end of last season.
Owen said: “The Lincoln has been the plan for Rogue Diplomat since his last win at Doncaster in October and he has very good course form.
“He got better as he got stronger last year and he’s training very well. For me he is still very well handicapped on what he is showing us at home, so I’m really excited.
“It’s great to have a runner in a race like this for the Rogues Gallery syndicate, who support me massively.”
A general 12-1 shot for the curtain-raiser to the Flat Turf season, which will be live in Sky Sports Racing, Harry Davies will continue his association with Rogue Diplomat, with Owen optimistic there is further progress to come.
Owen added: “It’s going to be hard to bring up the five-timer and I’ve never had a runner in the Lincoln so not completely sure what we need, but he looks to have the right profile for the race.
“Harry Davies gets on well with him and will ride. He’s been in galloping him and has been thrilled with him as well.”
Burdett Road, meanwhile, has long been one of Owen’s standard-bearers and having run with real credit throughout the winter across the Middle East – including when third to Rebel’s Romance over a mile and a half last time – will contest the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night, which can also be seen on Sky Sports Racing.
“He didn’t get the run of the race in Saudi (on his penultimate start) and proved that with a solid run back at Meydan in the Group Twp City of Gold fairly soon after over an inadequate distance,” explained Owen.
“He’s come out of that race really well and is training really well and looks fantastic.
“I think this is a nice opportunity for him to hopefully get a good slice of prize-money. I think he will run well.”
