Greatwood goes to Burdett Road, with sights now on Champion challenge

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.”

Burdett Road won his first two starts over hurdles last season before finishing second to Sir Gino and he was then forced to miss the Triumph at the Festival.

However, he got back on track with a successful Flat campaign this summer, which included a wide-margin win in Listed company at Newmarket.

Winning rider Cobden said: “All credit to James and the job he has done with this horse. He said there was no speed in the race today, so let’s rock and roll – the horse settled nicely, jumped great and just gave himself a chance.

“He found plenty when needed to. He’s improved a hell of a lot and he even did that this summer on the Flat, so he’s only going way.

“He’s obviously got a lot to improve, but you have to chuck him in the (Champion Hurdle) mix now, because once he’s done with handicapping, he hasn’t got many other places to go.”

Burdett Road is 33-1 with Coral for the Champion Hurdle