Highly regarded dual-purpose gallopers Burdett Road and Palladium are on track for a potential shot at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, with trainers James Owen and Nicky Henderson confirming the prestigious race as a long-term goal.
Burdett Road’s Dual-Season Ambitions
James Owen has outlined an ambitious plan for Burdett Road, targeting major hurdle races before switching back to the flat with a Melbourne Cup run in mind.
The talented son of Muhaarar has already proven himself in both codes, boasting a Listed victory on the flat alongside a Grade 2 success over hurdles. He is set to feature in next month’s Cheltenham Festival, where he could contest either the Champion Hurdle or County Hurdle.
Despite his jumps campaign, Owen has his eyes firmly set on Melbourne.
“Cheltenham remains a key target, but we’re also excited about a strong flat campaign,” Owen said.
“The Melbourne Cup 2025 is firmly in our plans. He has a great rating for it, enjoys firm ground, and should love the track.”
Burdett Road has won seven of his 22 starts, his biggest flat success coming in the Listed Godolphin Stakes (2414m) at Newmarket, where he cruised to an 8½-length victory. He later ran sixth in the Group 2 British Champions Long Distance Cup (3118m) at Ascot, finishing 7¾ lengths behind Kyprios.
Palladium’s Return to the Flat
Another exciting prospect eyeing the Melbourne Cup is Palladium, who became the most expensive jumps recruit in history after being purchased for €1.4 million (AU$2.3m) by Lady Bamford.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, the four-year-old son of Gleneagles recently made a winning hurdles debut at Huntingdon and is being primed for the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, Henderson believes Palladium’s future lies back on the flat, where he could be a serious contender for Australia’s most famous race.
“I doubt Palladium will ever jump a fence,” Henderson said. “I see him as a Melbourne Cup winner. He’s got Royal Ascot on his radar before heading towards the Melbourne Cup.”
Palladium has won three of his eight career starts and was previously trained by Henk Grewe in Germany, where he captured the Group 1 German Derby.
With both Burdett Road and Palladium shaping up as serious contenders, British trainers could have a strong presence in the 2025 Melbourne Cup as they chase success in Australia’s most prestigious staying race.
