'I thought he had no chance' - Karl Burke surprised with first-time-out winner

Wednesday: Catterick

Karl Burke said he had very low expectations with Wan’Em so was surprised to see him backed into favouritism before coming from last to first to strike on his debut in the 7f maiden.

The son of Free Eagle had a lot of ground to make up following a delayed reaction when leaving the stalls, but he demonstrated a powerful turn of foot two furlongs out to pull two and a half lengths clear of Zicatela.

"It was a pleasant surprise really," said Burke of the 3-1 shot. "He has been a very backward and weak type of horse and we gelded him a couple of months ago because he wasn’t concentrating on his work.

"I thought he needed the run, so I don’t know who backed him into favourite.

"He was slow away and I thought he had no chance, but they went very hard in front and it allowed us to stay on well," said Burke.

It turned out to be a successful day for the trainer and his two-year-olds as Kodi Dancer won for the first time on her fourth start at Southwell.

"The team is flying along and the horses have been very healthy. They’re in great form so long may it continue," added Burke.

"You need winners to give you that spring in your step and get out of bed in the morning because it’s a soul-destroying game when things don’t go your way."

Double Dennis

Phil Dennis enjoyed his visit to Catterick after bookending the card with a double. The jockey opened his account when steering Ohnojoe to a first career victory in the 6f novice and followed that up when partnering Liberty Breeze in the 7f handicap.

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