Sandown beckons for Hawkeye before Ascot mission James Owen’s flagship Flat performer Wimbledon Hawkeye could tee-up a trip to Royal Ascot when he reappears in Sandown’s Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes later this month. A winner of the Royal Lodge at two, the son of Kameko was an ultra-consistent performer last term, before getting his defining moment when crossing the Atlantic for the Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs, registering a memorable victory in the hands of Frankie Dettori. Having finished 2025 at the Breeders’ Cup, more international action could be on the cards this term, but first it is notable success on home soil that is on the agenda. “Wimbledon Hawkeye has had a nice break and will go for the Brigadier Gerard as a prep run for Royal Ascot where he will probably go for the Hardwicke,” said Owen. “That will be his early season target and then we might travel after that, but hopefully Sandown will pave the way for bigger things. I’m sure he will have the speed for 10 furlongs.” Another notable name at Owen’s Green Ridge base in Newmarket is dual-purpose performer Burdett Road who will also head to the Royal meeting after his exploits in the Middle East this winter. With hurdling over the colder months shelved for warmer climes, he performed with credit while out in the Gulf region and he is now back in racing’s heartland tuning up for the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. Owen added: “He’s been dropped to 105 so he’ll go for the handicap at Royal Ascot and he will go straight there.”
