Glittering Legend floors Bowmark in Burradon Stakes

Glittering Legend emulated his half-brother Megallan by winning the BetMGM Burradon Stakes at Newcastle.

Only five went to post for the Listed race over a mile, but all brought winning form into it. James Fanshawe’s Glittering Legend (9-2) looked the most exposed of them all, however, having had five runs. But he put that experience to very good use.

With Irish raider Michael Scofield setting the pace, Daniel Muscutt was content to get a nice lead on Glittering Legend, with Kieran Shoemark dropping John and Thady Gosden’s once-raced 6-4 favourite Bowmark at the rear.

As the pace quickened there were two going noticeably better than the rest, but as Shoemark made his challenge down the middle of the track, Muscutt got a great split near the rail before hitting the front with half a furlong to run.

Bowmark, who hung a little to his left, stuck to his task but went down by a neck.

Fanshawe said: “I wouldn’t have run him as early as we did as he still hasn’t come in his coat yet, but sometimes geldings are a little bit like that.

“He’s really tough, he’s by Too Darn Hot who is doing incredibly well and he’s a half-brother to a good horse (Megallan). We always liked him, he’s hardy and keeps improving.

“I’m not sure what the plan will be now because in a race like today’s you never quite know what you’re taking on. We’ll go back and have a look at it.

“Unfortunately geldings can’t get into a lot of Royal Ascot races and it depends when we step him up to a mile and a quarter.”