Tioga: Full speed ahead for Burke after record-setting week

Trainer Ron Burke has been setting records for some time. Most recently he eclipsed the 9,000 mark in career training wins. The victory earlier this week was his second great milestone of the month, having just passed the $200,000,000 mark in earnings lifetime.

For many it’s time to pause and give credit, for Burke there never appears time for pause as he manages a stable that now is roughly 225-head strong.

With Burke, who has a solid hand entered for Sunday’s Artiscape, Roll With Joe and Empire Breeders Classic stakes at Tioga, the focus was both near and long term.

“I’m sure with Jimmy (Takter) retiring next year some of his horses will go to Nancy (Johansson),” Burke said. “We’re going to try to get into the trotting market in a bigger way. We’re not looking to buy more horses but we’re going to step up to purchase maybe six more at the top end.”

The move by Burke is essentially what the trainer has done all of his life as he built a stable from 20 to its current standard. The concept is to find horses that fit and compete in as many locales as possible.

“I just love winning. I love winning even if it’s just a qualifier. There’s other things I could have done but none that I could have this much fun with,” said Burke.

Sunday could be a fun day for Burke at Tioga if Youaremycandygirl continues her winning form. Last year’s champion has won her last three races and Burke believes she’s turned the corner.

“I think we took a lot out of her in that last start as a 2-year-old,” said Burke, referring to the uncontrolled speed mission. “It just took us much longer to get her under control, but I think we have her back to normal now.”

Burke was happy with last week’s elimination and understands that archrival Kissin In The Sand isn’t in the field, but he’s taking nothing for granted.

“Anytime you go for $250,000 they’re going to make you work for it. Casie’s (Coleman) horse is pretty good,” said Burke, referring to Alexis Faith who drew the pole in the $270,425 Empire Breeders Classic filly finale carded as race seven.

Along with Youaremycandygirl (post 6) Burke sends out Pueblo Blue Chip (post 4) in the field of nine fillies.

Just five horses entered the $143,000 Roll With Joe Open pace and Burke has 40 percent of the field with Rockin Ron (post 4) and All Bets Off (post 5) facing three others.

“My horses just don’t do that well in those mile and an eighth races,” said Burke, reflecting back on the Hambletonian Day Sam McKee Memorial where the pair finished fifth and sixth. “Rockin Ron likes to cut it but when he can’t he’s not always the same horse.”

Rockin Ron finished sixth in the Dan Patch that came just six days after the McKee.

“All Bets Off has been inconsistent this year,” said Burke. “But you know I think he’s going to be all right. I think both of them will be all right and by the end of the year we’ll be surprised when we see how much they’ve made.”

Joining the Burke tandem for the Roll With Joe, race six on the card, will be Dealt A Winner (post 1), Dr J Hanover (post 2) and Western Fame (post 3).

Ironically Windsun Glory, entered in the $161,000 Artiscape for open mares, found the entry box by default.

“We had no place else to race her,” said Burke, confessing his options for the 5-year-old Mach Three-sired mare were limited. “When I looked up and saw that she drew the rail, I figured she’d get money in here.”

Burke knows that leading money winner Shartin N (post 3) is quite formidable but he feels his mare is in a spot that could work to his advantage.

“I think she has a tough time going with this class when she doesn’t get an absolutely perfect trip. I think with the rail she has a chance of getting that kind of trip,” Burke said.

Burke is excited about the first crop of Sweet Lou.

“Warrawee Ubeaut is as good as Youaremycandygirl was at this time last year,” said Burke of the juvenile filly racing in Sire Stakes action at The Meadows on Saturday.

Of course Burke bought into the first crop of Captaintreacherous and unbeaten De Los Cielo Deo is the probable favorite for the Sire Stakes final.

“He’s done everything right from the start,” said Burke of De Los Cielo Deo. “He’s a brother to I Luv The Nitelife and she was a great filly.”