Burke Happy To Take Gold Gamble

Karl Burke is confident Akarem will hold his own in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Thursday.

Connections of the five-year-old have stumped up the £'18,000 supplementary fee for the two-mile-four-furlong hike.

Formerly in the care of Irish handler Kevin Prendergast, Akarem is unbeaten in two races and emerged a decisive winner of a Listed contest at Ascot on his last start in May.

Burke acknowledged the marathon trip in the Gold Cup may count against his charge, who will be ridden by Pat Cosgrave, but insists the Kingmambo entire's participation in the race represents a calculated risk.

'He's a horse who is in great form and has shown that on his last two runs,' explained the Leyburn-based trainer.

'He's an improving horse and the reason we paid the supplementary is that it looks a weak Group One, if there is such a thing.

'We are taking a big chance on him getting the trip but the ground doesn't concern us that much, as long as there is no jar in the ground.

'Any showers would be great but it's not the be-all and end-all.

'He's a horse who I think needs racing regularly to keep in form. There are very few opportunities between his last run at the end of May and through June so, consequently, the owner was keen to give it a go.

'It's a punt, but certainly a punt worth taking.'

? PA Sport