Sights set on premier four-year-old event

NEXT month’s Chariots Of Fire is at the top of the hit list for recent import Burnham Boy.

Having his third Australian start since arriving from New Zealand at Club Menangle tonight, Burnham Boy completed a narrow victory for trainer Kevin Pizzuto.

Successful upon debut a fortnight ago, the gelding was an eye-catching fourth last weekend.

Pleased with Burnham Boy’s progress, Pizzuto has mapped out a course to the Chariots Of Fire.

Australasia’s premier four-year-old event is scheduled to be conducted at Menangle on February 20.

Qualifiers for the Group One – Hondo Grattan and Paleface Adios Sprints – are scheduled for February 6 and 13.

“The Chariots is where I am heading with him,” Pizzuto said. “There is a lot to like about him and he is still on the way up.

“I will probably give him another run next week which will have him right at his peak for the heats.

“I had Picard win the Hondo Grattan to get in the Chariots a couple of years ago and I’ve got a higher opinion of this bloke.

“All going well he will make his way into the Chariots.”

With Blake Fizpatrick holding the reins, Burnham Boy led throughout from the pole to stave off a determined Moreau Drive by a half-head.

First-up since capturing a Breeders’ Crown Final at Tabcorp Park Melton in November, Zeuss Bromac was two metres away third in 1:51.7 over a mile.

“I was very confident with him, especially from the draw,” Pizzuto said. “I told his owners he would lead and win.”