MORE dual purpose horses.
Could that be the result of Ethical Diamond’s incredible Breeders’ Cup success as a Derby runner-up and former decent Flat handicapper are respectively heading over hurdles and fences this week?
That’s the message from exciting young handler James Owen, who sent two horses to Del Mar and is primed to unleash Ambiente Friendly and Burdett Road in the next few days.
Burdett Road will be popped over fences at Cheltenham on Friday, while Ambiente Friendly – second to City of Troy in the 2024 Derby – is being lined up for a maiden hurdle on Sunday.
Ethical Diamond landed the Breeders’ Cup Turf in scintillating style for Willie Mullins.
The former hurdler had come through the handicap ranks on the Flat, taking the Ebor at York prior to his star turn in the US.
At a time when field sizes on the Flat and over jumps are far from adequate, Owen suggested more trainers might turn to dual purpose performers.
“What Willie Mullins did in America was fantastic,” Owen told me.
“A lot of people would not even have thought of taking Ethical Diamond to the Breeders’ Cup. And to go and win a big pot like that is a massive feather in his cap.”
Owen has made a huge impression in the three seasons he has trained.
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On the Flat his score has gone up from no wins from three runners in 2023, to 63 from 362 in 2024 and more than 100 victories this year.
More than anyone else in the UK, Owen looks like a man who can conquer both codes.
He added: “What it (Ethical Diamond’s success) shows is that dual purpose horses can have a chance at all levels.
“My owners are people who are keen for dual purpose horses. I think what Willie is doing shows that trainers can do both.”
Burdett Road is primed for the Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase, a Grade 2 on Saturday.
The youngster was last seen chasing home Rubaud over hurdles at Kempton last month, having finished second in last season’s Champion Hurdle and previously finished behind Rebel’s Romance in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot.
“Burdett Road will be at Cheltenham,” Owen said.
“He has schooled very well over fences. Obviously it’s a big ask being a Grade 2 on his chasing debut. But the way he jumped over hurdles last time at Kempton made us think we should give it a try.
“He schooled over fences a couple of time last year and we are hoping fences give him a bit more of a chance.”
Owen added that East India Dock, who holds an entry in the Champion Hurdle, is currently sidelined, but will also send the useful Lavender Hill Mob to Cheltenham.
“He’ll go up in trip and either run on Friday or Saturday,” Owen added.
“He’s in good form and ready to go.”
Owen sent Wimbledon Hawkeye and Aspect Island to the Breeders’ Cup, with the latter finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Of their runs, the handler said: “We were thrilled we took them and Aspect Island ran a great race and will be back for next season.
“So will Wimbledon Hawkeye. He did us proud at Kentucky Downs (on previous start when landing a valuable prize) but never got into it in Del Mar. Again he will be racing next season.”
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