Burke banking on downpour for Reflection Temple bid

Dual Group 1 winner Quiet Reflection's participation in the Armstrong Aggregates Temple Stakes at Haydock remained in the balance on Thursday.

Karl Burke declared the filly for Saturday's £100,000 race but is worried ground conditions will be too quick for his star, who took the 32Red Sprint Cup there on soft going last autumn.

"The forecast says they could get hit by a potentially heavy, thundery shower on Saturday and we would be crazy not to declare at this stage," the trainer said.

"They have got a baking hot day today and they can't put any water on with that forecast. If it doesn't rain then it will be quick ground and we will make a decision on Saturday."

Quiet Reflection won the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last year and is entered in the King's Stand Stakes and Diamond Jubilee Stakes at the meeting this season.

"She's in great form," Burke said. "We're very happy with her and I really want to give her a prep run before Ascot."

A field of 12 has been declared for the Temple, with Palace House Stakes runner-up Washington DC representing Aidan O'Brien – whose Acapulco was the only withdrawal on Thursday.

O'Brien's Alphabet is among seven runners in the Group 2 Armstrong Aggregates Sandy Lane Stakes, alongside leading Commonwealth Cup hope Harry Angel.

The ground was described officially as good to firm, good in places at Haydock on Thursday.