Burke confident on Elite's chances in the Norfolk Stakes Karl Burke is confident Elite Status will continue his fine form when he attempts to remain unbeaten in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot next week. Purchased at the Book 2 sale at Tattersalls in October for 325,000 guineas, the juvenile has notched up two easy wins so far, justifying his hefty price tag. Elite Status, by Havana Grey who won six races for Burke including a Group One victory in the Flying Five Stakes in Ireland, replicated his sire's success by delivering an impressive performance in the National Stakes at Sandown after a successful debut at Doncaster. The Spigot Lodge handler has been happy with the youngster since and is looking forward to stepping up in class to Group Two level in the opening race on day three of the Royal meeting — one which will see Burke’s runner clash with Wesley Ward’s exciting American Rascal, among others. “Elite Status came out of the National stakes well,” Burke told Tattersalls. “We were confident going to Doncaster first time out and he improved again going into the National Stakes. It obviously looked a very hot race on paper and, if I’m honest I didn’t expect him to do it the way he did, but it didn’t surprise me he won. “He has a great attitude; he’s always had that great walk to him, as Havana Grey himself had. “This colt has more scope than his sire and is a bigger model. He does his work, walks home, eats, sleeps, and that’s all you want in a racehorse.” Burke saddled juveniles Dramatised and Holloway Boy to win at Royal Ascot last year and looks set to send another strong squad of two-year-olds on the journey south. None have made a bigger impression than Elite Status, though, who appears the stable’s biggest hope. “I want to get him there in the best shape I can. If I do, I think he’s the one they’ve got to beat,” Burke added. “You need everything to go right on the day. I’m confident he’ll stay six furlongs and the way progeny of Havana Grey are training on from two to three-year-olds, I see him getting further as well. “I see him as a six-furlong horse this year and who knows, we may be trying the 2000 Guineas next year with a bit of luck.”
