A crack at stakes company beckons for Taj Alriyadh after he made it three from three in the Hornblower Conditions Stakes at Ripon on Saturday.
One of 26 European two-year-old winners so far for Mehmas, the colt was bred here at Tally-Ho Stud and is a graduate of our breeze-up arm; he was sold by us at the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up to Mick Donohoe of the BBA Ireland.
Previously twice successful at Catterick, Taj Alriyadh was sent off the odds-on favourite to remain unbeaten and was always doing enough to come out on top over the Kodiac colt Dynamic Force.
"I would imagine we’ll come back here for the 2yo Trophy," Burke told Sky Sports Racing. "He coped with the ridges well so I think that’s the obvious one.
"He was bought very well by Mick Donohoe for the owners. He’s as hard as nails, a terrier. He’s not flashy at home - he only just does enough and Cliff felt he had a bit more. We’re delighted."
Taj Alriyadh is the second winner this week for his dam Next Trial following the success of classy handicapper The Attorney - by Kodiac - at Lingfield. They are the only two foals so far out of the dam, a Hard Spun half-sister to the top-class Space Blues and Group 2 winner Shuruq.
