James Owen Eyes Bright Future for Wimbledon Hawkeye After Promising Acomb Stakes Performance

Trainer James Owen is optimistic about the future of Wimbledon Hawkeye, the promising colt who recently impressed by finishing between two top Derby contenders, The Lion In Winter and Ruling Court, in the Acomb Stakes at York. Despite being up against Aidan O'Brien's The Lion In Winter, who set a new course record, and Charlie Appleby's highly regarded Ruling Court, Wimbledon Hawkeye held his own, signalling his potential for greater achievements.

Wimbledon Hawkeye, owned by the Gredley family and sired by Kameko, has not yet been given a specific target for his next race. However, Owen is confident that the colt will continue to improve, especially as he steps up in distance next season. "Wimbledon ran great; it was a track record, and he's a real nice horse for the future," said Owen, noting that the colt's best days are likely ahead of him.

Very comfortable 😮‍💨

The Lion In Winter cruises home in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes 🥇#ITVRacing | #EborFestival pic.twitter.com/ZDwlZWJkz2

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 21, 2024

Despite his strong performance, Owen expressed some frustration that Wimbledon Hawkeye isn't receiving the recognition he deserves in the betting markets for major races like the Guineas and Derby. "He got beaten by the Guineas and Derby favourite, and yet he's not even in the betting for either, which is slightly annoying. I'm sure if he was trained by a big outfit, he would be," Owen remarked.

Elsewhere at York, Owen reflected on the performance of Burdett Road in the Ebor Handicap. Although well-fancied, Burdett Road struggled to stay the demanding trip of the race, fading in the final furlong to finish 12th behind Magical Zoe. Owen believes that a shorter distance may suit the horse better in future outings.

 

I had a great time at York; we were unlucky in a couple of races. I learned a bit myself, and I didn't think Burdett stayed, but we'll find out next time," Owen commented. He plans to run Burdett Road again on the flat, but over a shorter distance before returning to hurdles. "He's had quite a light campaign after his hurdling season, and while he'll go back to hurdling, we'll look to run him on the flat again, just bringing him back in trip a bit."

Owen is optimistic about the future for both Wimbledon Hawkeye and Burdett Road, with plans to refine their campaigns to maximize their potential as they continue to develop.