Nunthorpe could be part of Quiet Reflection schedule

Quiet Reflection working on the Middleham gallops. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Karl Burke is favouring the Temple Stakes at Haydock in May as a starting point for Quiet Reflection’s campaign and has suggested a tilt as this year’s Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes might be on the cards.

The filly was one of the leading lights in last season’s sprint category of the QIPCO British Champions Series – winning the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock.

She signed off with a slightly dull effort when seventh in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day but Burke is delighted with the way she has wintered.

“She looks great,” said the North Yorkshire-based handler. “She’s definitely matured and she’s 10 kilos heavier than this time last year, but obviously that will come down as we start to get her a bit fitter.

“She won’t run until the Duke of York at the earliest or there’s the Temple Stakes a week later or a race in Ireland.

“She’ll have entries for all of them and we’ll see nearer the time where we go. As we stand, if the ground is on the slow side of good I’d favour Haydock as she loves Haydock.

“She’s unbeaten there and she’s not short of speed so five furlongs wouldn’t worry me.”

Quiet Reflection raced exclusively over six furlongs last term but she was 3-3 when racing over the minimum trip as a two-year-old and Burke has not discounted dropping her back in trip.

He said: “If she did perform really well there [at Haydock] it might bring races like the Nunthorpe [at York on August 25] into the equation.

“She’s been in since the middle of January and has been cantering for the last month but we’re in no rush, she’ll step up from the end of next month.

“It will be great to get her back on the track but you can’t get too far ahead of yourself in this game.”