First Ambition bids to uphold family honour at Newcastle There will be a regal pedigree on show at Newcastle on Thursday, as First Ambition becomes the first foal out of multiple Group One heroine Laurens to take to the track. Trained throughout her exceptional racing career by Karl Burke, the daughter of Siyouni won eight times from 17 starts and struck six times at the highest level over three seasons, including Classic honours in the Prix de Diane. As yet, none of her progeny have made the track, but it is fitting that her very first will be saddled by Burke and the colt has undergone his preparation at the same Spigot Lodge training centre which his illustrious mother once graced with her presence. Burke is delighted to finally see First Ambition make his racecourse bow at the age of four and although Kevin Ryan could field well-regarded opposition in the form of Lord Capulet, the Middleham-based handler is hopeful of a strong start in the Win £1M With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs. “He’s a lovely horse and has been very backward. He’s had a few little niggles, nothing serious, but he’s worked nicely and can definitely gallop,” said Burke. “I think Kevin Ryan has a nice Sheikh Obaid-owned horse in the race, so it won’t be an easy start, but whatever he does, he will improve on. I think he will run well. “This is the first foal Laurens had and the second one is with Ralph Beckett and he’s a lovely, big scopey horse like she was. I’m unsure if he’ll emulate his mother, but he will be a nice horse in his own right.”
