'It's going to be tough' - Hukum takes on Derby hero Desert Crown in Brigadier Gerard clash on Thursday

A formidable task lies before last season's Coronation Cup winner Hukum, but Owen Burrows is hopeful his stable star can show his old spark when he takes on Desert Crown in the Racehorse Lotto Brigadier Gerard Stakes (7.42) at Sandown on Thursday.

The Shadwell-owned six-year-old will be making his first start since June in the Group 3 contest following a hind-leg injury that threatened to end his career.

The injury was picked up during his top-level triumph over Pyledriver at Epsom, a first Group 1 for Burrows, but Hukum could face an even stiffer task against last year's Derby hero, who has himself been absent from the track since his Classic success 11 months ago.

"We've been pleased with Hukum for the last few weeks, but it's going to be tough and is probably a little shorter than his ideal distance," Burrows said.

"It will be difficult, but we're eager to get him back on the track and he's showing all his old enthusiasm at home. Everything is still there and he looks great, but we're taking nothing for granted.

Desert Crown: last year's Derby hero makes his return in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Desert Crown looked a bit special when winning the Derby last year, two of the others have fitness of their side and Jane [Chapple-Hyam]'s horse Claymore won nicely at Royal Ascot. I haven't got huge expectations but as long as he goes there, runs his race and shows all his old enthusiasm we'll look forward to the rest of the year."

Burrows was forced to swerve his preferred seasonal debut for Hukum in last Saturday's Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes because the son of Sea The Stars wasn't quite ready, but the Lambourn trainer believes Thursday's run will put him in a prime position to make a mark at Royal Ascot next month.

He said: "In an ideal world Newbury would have been the better starting point but we needed to work him last Wednesday and Jim [Crowley] came and had a sit on him on Saturday, so we're happy now to go. Timing wise this is a good slot with a view to getting a run into him before the Hardwicke.

"He's been a huge horse for me. He was my first Royal Ascot winner and I'm not even sure how many Group races he's won now, plus he went over to Dubai and won on Super Saturday. I owe him a lot, he's been an absolute star for us and hopefully he's not done yet."

Paradise Stakes runner-up Cash and the Keith Dalgleish-trained Chichester complete the field after dual Group 1 winner Nashwa and unbeaten stablemate Francesco Clemente were not declared by John and Thady Gosden.

Brigadier Gerard Stakes runners and riders

Cash Jamie Spencer
Chichester Franny Norton
Claymore William Buick
Desert Crown Richard Kingscote
Hukum Jim Crowley
Solid Stone Ryan Moore

Dettori in action in Henry II Stakes – plus first British runner for Japanese-born trainer

Frankie Dettori is without a ride in the feature contest but will bid for Group-race success elsewhere on the card with Enemy, who heads five declarations for the Racehorse Lotto Henry II Stakes (7.12).

The six-year-old was fifth in the race last year behind Quickthorn but is aided by the first-time booking of Dettori after finishing down the field in the Ormonde Stakes two weeks ago.

The Group 3  has also attracted an intriguing international entry in Princess Anne, who is the first British runner for Japanese-born trainer Hiroo Shimizu.

Frankie Dettori: partners Enemy for trainer Ian Williams in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Shimizu, who has held a licence in France since 2017 and trains out of the former Chantilly base of Arc winning-trainer John Hammond, will send the five-year-old mare to Sandown ahead of a possible Gold Cup bid, for which she is a best-priced 66-1.

Last year's runner-up Nate The Great seeks to go one better under William Buick, while Sleeping Lion and Roberto Escobarr complete the line-up.

Thursday's card also includes the Listed Racehorse Lotto National Stakes (6.42), which has attracted ten runners and includes On Point, the sole Godolphin runner on the card.

The Newmarket maiden scorer takes on six other first-time-out winners in a competitive sprint that is likely to throw up clues for next month's Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Read more:

The return of the Derby king: why Desert Crown could light up 2023 

'The Prix Corrida is first choice' - Saint-Cloud preferred to Sandown for top Gosdens' filly Nashwa 

The 12-length Ripon winner who recorded the highest Racing Post Rating for a juvenile debutant in 16 years 

Tom Segal tipped 1,000 Guineas winner Mawj at 20-1 - subscribe now with 50% off and don't miss out on a massive month for Pricewise 

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