Cheltenham: Greatwood glory for Burdett Road
Burdett Road ridden by Harry Cobden on their way to winning the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Burdett Road kept on gamely to run out a well-backed winner of the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham and ignite Champion Hurdle dreams for connections.
James Owen's 7-2 chance powered clear three out along with market leader Dysart Enos and got the upper hand over that rival once turning into the home straight.
Be Aware briefly looked a big danger when coming out of the chasing pack to mount a late challenge, but Harry Cobden was always in control on the Gredley family-owned Burdett Road and they prevailed by half a length.
Trainer James Owen - whose East India Dock impressed on Saturday in the same colours - said: "It was a great performance. Tim (Gredley) and I both agreed that we were going to change tactics, we've learnt a lot on the Flat with him this time and we wanted to make the running.
"He settled lovely and Harry gave him a fantastic ride, jumped impeccably for a four-year-old and for me, he was just idling up the hill.
"When the other horse came to him, he has gone again. He looked like he was going to get caught but he's just gone again.
"He's a lovely horse and it's a great performance from a four-year-old in a strong race - and this horse wants cut in the ground as well, he'll be better with a bit of give, so we're really looking forward to the rest of the season with him.
"It's the first time he's really given himself a chance in a race; jumped, settled, breezed and he's learnt a lot."
Asked about Champion Hurdle aspirations, he added: "It's still a long way to go but obviously on his Flat form, he's more than capable of getting there and we'll aim that way. I'm not sure where we'll go next but I'm sure it will be a graded race somewhere.
"It's lovely to get these good horses and do the job for the Gredley family, we've got a great team at home, my wife's a big part of the team and it's just a shame Tim and the Gredley family aren't here, but I'm sure they'll be cheering at home."
