Burke's Havana steps up with impressive Listed strike

Havana Grey proved too quick out in front as the grey made all under PJ McDonald to give Karl Burke victory in the Better Odds With Matchbook Listed National Stakes at Sandown on Thursday evening.

A five-length winner at Ayr last time, Havana Grey needed to improve again on what he had shown on two previous starts, but did so professionally, while some of his rivals were let down by inexperience.

Sent off at 5-1, Havana Grey never saw a rival, with the 7-4 favourite Frozen Angel making late ground, but he was never close enough to make a telling challenge.

While McDonald encountered no traffic problems, greenness led to some scrimmaging in behind, with Chagatai the biggest culprit and giving jockey Adam Kirby a tricky time on the rail.

The winner was cut to 8-1 (from 20) by Paddy Power for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and discussions will need to be had among the Burke team as to whether they stick to five furlongs or go up to six.

McDonald said: "He went through the first half of the race like a knife through butter."

Kelly Burke, Karl Burke's daughter, added: "The plan is to go to Royal Ascot but we don't know whether to go for the 5f [Norfolk] or 6f (Coventry]. The way he ran there you would probably say five furlongs but that will be up to the boss.

"He is such a straightforward horse, all he wants to do is please you. PJ has ridden him from quite early days and really liked him so it's nice for him to keep the ride and for him to perform like that.

"He will definitely be better taking a lead but we didn't want to lose that rail because he had a good draw. He showed second time out he does improve with something to aim for."

Result and analysis