Convergent quality shines through to set up big-race ambitions

Karl Burke and Clifford Lee were left dreaming of bigger days ahead after Convergent defied plenty of congestion in running to run out a snug winner of the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury.

The race more commonly known as the John Porter Stakes was anticipated to be the weekend destination of a certain Constitution Hill, but the absence of Nicky Henderson’s star did little to dampen the quality of the final field assembled in Berkshire.

And emerging from that field could be a proper Group One prospect after Lee navigated a course to the front just in time aboard the 4-1 chance, a welcome big-race win for Burke’s trusted lieutenant after his brush with serious injury following a quadbike accident that left him in intensive care.

On an emotional ride back to the saddle, Lee said: “This is fantastic and when I got back riding out and had the all-clear, it’s horses like this you are looking forward to. The horses are in great form at home and this is what it is all about, enjoying these big days and the big races.

“At the time the accident did knock me and it just dents your ego a bit, but once I was getting better, I’m very straight minded and bullish and never do things half-hearted. I go for it 150 per cent.”

On the race, he added: “From the cut-away I could see them edging over and I was a little bit in no man’s land as the race was developing. They all got first run on me but luckily the horse had the engine to get me out of trouble.

“He was just touched off in the German Derby last year and he’s a lovely horse who we all like. The main thing he needs to do is settle and today he was lovely. Hopefully today won’t light him up and he’s very classy – he’d be right up there with the best at this distance I’ve ridden.

“I’m delighted for Karl and the whole team who work so hard through the winter. He almost got me a Classic and he’ll win a nice race soon.”

Burke now believes his winner has earned the right to mix it in elite company, with Epsom’s Coronation Cup and Ascot’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes among the big races in the pipeline during the summer.

“If we can keep him sound and going the right way I think there is a Group One in him for sure,” said the Spigot Lodge handler.

“I suppose he could be the best we’ve had over these distances. Before him it would be Al Qareem. but he’s more of a mile and six horse and wouldn’t have this fellow’s gears.

“I think we’ll certainly have a go at the Coronation Cup, but I think the track and everything about the King George at Ascot would be fantastic for him.”