'Taking on older horses is a bit much' - Dramatised to tackle Lowther next

Trainer Karl Burke is leaning towards the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York on Thursday week for his star juvenile filly Dramatised.

The daughter of Showcasing has the option of stepping up to Group 1 level and taking on her seniors for the first time in the following day’s Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, but Burke would prefer to keep her against her own sex and age group for the time being.

Speaking at Newmarket on Saturday, Burke said: “It looks like we’ll probably run Dramatised in the Lowther, where stepping up to six furlongs shouldn't be a problem for her.

"She’s still in the Nunthorpe but taking on the older horses might be a bit much at this stage of her career. She's also entered in the Prix Morny but that is against colts.”

Karl Burke: 'Stepping Dramatised up to six furlongs shouldn't be a problem'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Dramatised is unbeaten in two starts and has been favourite both times. After easily landing a 5f maiden on her debut at Newmarket in April, she followed up in similar style when accounting for Maylandsea in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

After her win at Newmarket, Burke avoided running owner Steve Parkin’s homebred at York in May due to logistical reasons, but felt she was now ready for the challenge.

He said: “After Newmarket, Steve wanted to run her in a Listed race at the Dante meeting, but I was against it as it’s a long lead-up across the Knavesmire and she could be tricky. She’s settled down a lot now though, so we’ve no worries on that score.”

Beyond York, Burke is eyeing a return to Newmarket in late September.

He said: “Races like the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes will be on her agenda as she’s shown she can handle the Rowley Mile, so we’ll look at that for sure.”

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