Hukum connections seeking ease in the ground before Brigadier Gerard decision Owen Burrows will inspect the course at Sandown on Thursday before making a decision on whether Hukum will participate in the Racehorse Lotto Brigadier Gerard Stakes. This year's 10-furlong Group 3 contest features a competitive field, including last year's Derby winner, Desert Crown, who is also returning after a lengthy break. Hukum is part of a mouth-watering line up, in what promises to be a thrilling renewal. Burrows hinted that some ease in the ground will be required for the six-year-old to take his chances, who is scheduled to make his reappearance after an 11-month break due to injury. After experiencing the high of winning the Coronation Cup, Owen Burrows was left in despair when Hukum was identified to be lame after returning home, following their first Group 1 triumph at Epsom in June. Hukum's hind leg injury required the insertion of three screws, jeopardising his racing career and it seemed probable that he would need to retire to stud. However, the full-brother to the exceptional Baaeed made a remarkable recovery and Burrows is keen not to take any unnecessary risks with Sheikha Hissa’s Shadwell-owned colt. “Hopefully he can get back on the track,” said the handler. “He seemed to have improved again from the year before and then he got that injury. It was hugely disappointing, but it doesn’t do to dwell on things. “It was a pretty straightforward injury. If he was a two or three-year-old, then he would definitely have come back. There would have been no issue. But with him just winning a Group 1, my automatic thought was that he would head off to stud. “But Sheikha Hissa quite sportingly said that if there was a good chance of getting him back, then she’d be happy to give him a chance. Touch wood he’s had plenty of time and we have had a nice preparation with him.” Though a winner of over £630,000 and successful in nine of his 15 starts, any plans to defend his Coronation Cup title on his first outing of the season were scratched. Yet Burrows is well aware of the task Hukum faces on his return, which is a stepping stone to a potential run at Royal Ascot. “We thought it was probably a bit strong to go straight back into a Group 1, so this is going to definitely be a prep run. He needs to get out now. It is slightly concerning that we are drying up so quick, though. “I wouldn’t risk him on proper fast ground. Sandown’s clerk of the course, Andrew Cooper, normally does a great job producing safe ground. “I’ll get there sharp and I said to Richard Hills (Shadwell’s racing manager) this morning that we will have a walk of the track and all being well, if we are happy, then he will take his chance “It’s pretty obvious the task we face, though. Desert Crown was a pretty impressive Derby and Dante winner last year. There doesn’t appear to be many chinks in his armour. “He looks a relaxed horse who looks pretty solid, so it is a massive ask, but it is all about getting our fella on the track and getting a run into him. “The Hardwicke would probably be the next plan, but I wouldn’t be risking him on fast ground through the summer, so the back-end races and an autumn campaign could be on the agenda.”
