Ground will be a factor in plans for Royal Rhyme, says Burke

Ground conditions will dictate future plans for Royal Rhyme following his impressive return to action in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on Thursday.

The Karl Burke-trained four-year-old dominated his rivals in handicap company at Goodwood last summer and went on to win a Listed prize at Ayr before finishing fifth behind King Of Steel in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Making his first appearance since Champions Day, the Lope De Vega colt was a short price to dispatch of three rivals at Group Three level and did so with the minimum of fuss under Clifford Lee.

Royal Rhyme holds an entry in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot next month, but he would appear unlikely take up that engagement unless there is some ease underfoot.

Reflecting on his comeback victory, Burke said: “It wasn’t the strongest Group Three in the world, but they’re all there to be won and he did it nicely.

“He improved with every run last season and I think it will be the same this year. He wasn’t fully wound up by any means.

“Obviously ground is key with him, but he’s a very useful horse on his day on the right ground.”

One Burke-trained and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned runner who definitely has the Royal meeting on his agenda is Elite Status, who was a most impressive winner of the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury.

The son of Havana Grey finished third as a hot favourite for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot last year and is set to get a second chance to secure victory at the showpiece meeting in the Commonwealth Cup.

Burke added: “I was very, very happy with him, he’s a high-class horse and he came out of that race fine.

“We’re heading for the Commonwealth with him, barring accidents.”