Burnham Square's Journey to the Arlington Million
The Unforeseen Path to Greatness: Burnham Square's Million-Dollar Quest
The Serendipitous Detour: From Blue Grass Victory to a New Direction
Burnham Square's triumph in last year's Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes was a pivotal moment that initially diverted his career plan. According to trainer Ian Wilkes, had the horse not secured that victory, his path would have immediately led to turf racing, aligning with his inherent breeding and early training indications.
Embracing the Green: Burnham Square's Transition to Turf Dominance
The strategic shift to turf racing eventually materialized late last summer. The four-year-old gelding, sired by Liam's Map, has since amassed an impressive turf record of 5 starts, 3 wins, and 2 second-place finishes. This stellar performance has positioned him as the morning-line favorite for the Grade 1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs.
A Legacy of Grass: Following in His Mother's Footsteps
Burnham Square's lineage points to a natural affinity for grass. His dam, Linda, a Grade 2 winner by Scat Daddy, also excelled on turf, achieving a notable 8 starts, 1 win, 2 seconds, and 4 thirds in stakes races under trainer Wilkes' guidance between 2016 and 2017. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who rode Linda, is once again paired with Burnham Square, noting the horse's latent talent on turf was always a strong suspicion among the team.
A Near Miss and a Significant Payday: The Nashville Derby Invitational
The gelding's turf debut at Kentucky Downs last August provided an early glimpse of his potential. Despite 13-1 odds, Burnham Square narrowly missed victory in the $3.5 million Nashville Derby Invitational, finishing a nose behind the favored Wimbledon Hawkeye. Wilkes views this race as a significant 'one that got away', representing a substantial financial difference between first and second place.
A Resurgent Run: The Three-Race Winning Streak
Following a six-month hiatus, Burnham Square returned to form, securing a second-place finish in a shorter allowance race at Gulfstream Park. He then embarked on an impressive three-race winning streak, dominating the 1 1/2-mile Elkhorn (G2) at Keeneland, the 1 1/2-mile Louisville (G3) at Churchill Downs, and a hard-fought neck victory in the Chorleywood at Churchill. These wins significantly boosted his career earnings to over $2.2 million.
Showcasing Versatility and Unyielding Spirit: The Chorleywood Challenge
The Chorleywood win particularly impressed Wilkes, as it required Burnham Square to dig deep and battle for the victory. This race demonstrated the horse's versatility and fighting spirit, proving he wasn't just a front-runner but could also prevail in a challenging contest. Jockey Hernandez highlighted the horse's exceptional closing speed, noting his quick final furlong times in all three victories.
The Dirt Chapter: From Holy Bull to a Clear Signal for Turf
Burnham Square's early career on dirt included a victory in the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park. However, a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and subsequent struggles, including a distant fifth in the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park, ultimately provided a clear indication to shift his focus to turf. Hernandez specifically pointed to the Haskell as the race that solidified the decision, as the horse simply refused to run through the sandy track conditions.
The Distance Factor: Arlington Million's Unique Challenge
While Burnham Square thrives on longer distances, the 1 1/4-mile Arlington Million presents a unique challenge. This will be the shortest race for him in some time, pitting him against formidable competitors like defending champion Fort Washington and last year's third-place finisher, Integration. Wilkes expressed a preference for a 1 1/2-mile distance but remains confident in his horse's ability to compete at this level.
Strategic Racing and Future Aspirations: A Long-Term Vision
Hernandez is hopeful that Colonial Downs' two-turn layout will favor Burnham Square, particularly given the long run into the first turn. He plans to ride with confidence, aiming to navigate a strategic trip for the horse. Looking ahead, Wilkes intends to campaign Burnham Square at Kentucky Downs for the $2 million Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational (G2) in September, with the ultimate year-end goal being the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland. The team, led by owner Janis Whitham, envisions a long and distinguished career for the gelding, aiming for many more years of staying power on the track.