All systems go for Venetian Sun in the 1000 Guineas, says Burke
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 18 Apr 2026
Venetian Sun is firmly on course for the Betfred 1000 Guineas after delighting Karl Burke in a racecourse gallop at Southwell.
The Royal Ascot and Prix Morny winner will put her stamina to the test when tackling the opening fillies’ Classic at Newmarket on May 3 and was due to get a taste of the Rowley Mile with a pre-racing pipe-opener during the Craven meeting.
Instead Burke changed tack for the calmer surroundings of Rolleston and after completing a mile in company with fellow Group One star Fallen Angel, the Spigot Lodge handler declared himself happy with his charge’s preparations.
Burke said: “We went to Southwell on Thursday morning and she went very well, we were really happy with her.
“She galloped over a mile with Fallen Angel and another very nice filly and galloped well.
“I was just a bit concerned about how quick the ground was down at Newmarket and going there was an overnight trip whereas Southwell is a day trip. She went very well.”
Before Venetian Sun’s bid for Guineas glory, another of Burke’s leading lights could return at Sandown on Friday, with Zeus Olympios in line for a what would be a mouthwatering clash with last year’s star miler Field Of Gold in the bet365 Mile.
“It’s a good race and so it should be as a trial for the Lockinge,” said Burke.
“We were toying with going straight for the Lockinge and we may still do.
“He did a nice piece of work on Friday, seems really well and fit and I see no reason why not to run, but we’ll see how he is after he has a little blow on Tuesday.
“I think the idea would be to go there and he will have to give a penalty away to some good horses, but we think he’s a very good horse.
“Clifford (Lee) has got a ban and misses this and Royal Champion (in Hong Kong) next Sunday. William Buick has won on the horse in the past, he’s committed to Godolphin but his agent Tony Hind said Ryan (Moore) was available, so he’s pretty hard to turn down.
“Oisin (Murphy) is going over to ride Royal Champion in Hong Kong.”
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