Soul Icon camp eyeing Sandown spin for their ‘little superstar’

Desert Orchid hero Soul Icon could be seen showcasing his spring-heeled jumping at Sandown early next month.

Keiran Burke’s likeable stable star had been hammering on the door in good company before landing a telling blow at Kempton over the Christmas period, a deserved victory considering his ‘heart on the sleeve’ style of racing.

Although scooping Grade Two honours in the Desert Orchid, Soul Icon is to remain in handicap company for the immediate future, with a run in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase on February 1 a possible option if conditions prove suitable.

“He deserved his win at Kempton and it was nice it was in a big race like that as well,” said Burke.

“There are no solid plans but we are thinking of going to Sandown at the beginning of February. It is all down to the weather and what the ground is like, but there is a handicap there over two miles.

“We were thinking of being a bit easier on him now until the spring anyway, so it’s not set in stone, but depending on conditions, Sandown is an option.”

While Soul Icon’s next run is likely to come over the minimum two-mile distance, Burke has not ruled out a return to further before the season is out, even suggesting a crack at three miles could be on the cards.

“I wouldn’t be scared of stepping up in trip, so we will keep our options open,” continued Burke.

“It might be a little step up, but I do think he will get three miles as well, so we will have to see what races come up. He’s a little superstar.”