Al Qareem proves back-to-back Cumberland Lodge hero
Karl Burke enjoyed another big Saturday winner when Al Qareem landed back-to-back BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot.
Burke has saddled the first three home in the Ayr Gold Cup and won the Cambridgeshire on the last two Saturdays, on top of several other major victories this season.
Al Qareem had been winless this term until he won a Listed race at Chester three weeks ago and that seemed to put an extra pep in his step.
Heavily backed, the 11-10 favourite built up an early advantage under Clifford Lee and while Cieren Fallon attempted to smuggle Al Aasy, who had played up pre-race, into it he could get no closer than two lengths.
Speaking from Newmarket, Burke said: “He won well and wears his heart on his sleeve.
“A mile and a half is his minimum trip and I said to Cliff if they give you an easy lead take it and if you can pinch a length or two up the hill it will be hard work for them to catch you on that ground. He never looked like being caught, did he.
“He’s got an entry at Ascot (Champions Day) and we will keep an eye on that race, but he is more likely to go for the Prix Royal-Oak and take a shot at that. We will see what turns up at both meetings and make a decision closer to the time.”