James Owen considers Christmas Hurdle crack for 'exciting' Greatwood winner Burdett Road

James Owen has identified the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton as a possible next assignment for Greatwood Handicap Hurdle winner Burdett Road.

The four-year-old recorded a third win from four starts over hurdles when defeating Be Aware by half a length under Harry Cobden at Cheltenham.

It was a career-best effort from Burdett Road, who was given a 9lb rise in the ratings and is now rated 142 over jumps, and Owen could be tempted for a crack at Grade 1 glory at Kempton on Boxing Day. 

He said: "We’re looking at the Christmas Hurdle, although we haven't confirmed any plans yet. He’s doing well and has come out of Cheltenham in good form. I was pleased with his performance and the plan is to go somewhere over Christmas."

Burdett Road has enjoyed success in both codes since joining Owen’s Newmarket team, including when cruising to an eight-and-a-half-length victory in the Listed Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket in September.

He finished sixth behind Kyprios in the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day at Ascot before returning to hurdles. His only defeat over jumps came against the unbeaten Sir Gino in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in January.

Owen said: "The Christmas Hurdle is a great option and we’re in a lucky place. He’s really exciting to have in the yard but we have to remember he’s only four. He looks progressive, and his last two runs on the Flat were progressive. 

"If he hadn't met Sir Gino, he’d be unbeaten over hurdles, and if that one wasn’t about then he’d be a real talking horse. We met Sir Gino on a good day and we might not have been on our best day, but Sir Gino is an absolute weapon and we’ll know more about him after this weekend.

"We’re happy with our horse and looking forward to getting him back out on the track again. Fingers crossed there’s more to come."

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