Friday 9th August 2019
Author: Jordan Yates
Image: Jordan Yates
Phoenix Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) (6f)
Runner Guide
SISKIN
Form: 111 – Draw: 2 – Odds: 5/6
Trainer: Ger Lyons – Jockey: Colin Keane
“Won all three starts to date and has looked another very promising sort for Prince Khalid Abdullah. Was last seen when winning the Group 2 Railway Stakes here in June when getting the beat of Monarch Of Egypt in assertive style. Will likely take some beating here.”
MONARCH OF EGYPT
Form: 12 – Draw: 5 – Odds: 5/4
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore
“Debut winner by American Pharoah who was the yard’s first juvenile winner of the campaign. Ran a solid race behind Siskin on his latest outing following a slight lay off and it’s likely he could get closer to that rival on this occasion.”
ROYAL LYTHAM
Form: 171 – Draw: 3 – Odds: 8/1
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien
“Winner of a Navan maiden on debut before running a solid race in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Followed that form up with a win in the Group 2 July Stakes the last day at Newmarket and on that form wouldn’t be without a chance here despite looking stables second string.”
MOUNT FUJI
Form: 105 – Draw: 1 – Odds: 28/1
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Seamie Heffernan
“Looks the weakest of the O’Brien three and is up against it on his current form, his half-brother did win this race back in 2013 however it’s hard to envisage him following in those footsteps.”
THINK BIG
Form: 621 – Draw: 4 – Odds: 100/1
Trainer: J J Murphy – Jockey: Robbie Colgan
“Got his head in front at Down Royal last time despite still looking green, this is a world away from that level though and would need to improve massively if he’s to get anywhere near the principals.”
Race Verdict:
Monarch Of Egypt ran a great race last time on the back of a lay off in Group 2 company and it’s likely on the back of that effort will be a lot more tuned up here and could well go even closer. It’s hard for me to get past SISKIN though on all known form as he has looked a potential star as he does everything with a touch of class. He looks a Group 1 horse in the making and can preserve his unbeaten record and hold off an albeit stronger challenge from the Ballydoyle first string. Royal Lytham shouldn’t ruled out and is a smart sort himself, it’s likely he’s not quite up to Group 1 level but showed he’s certainly got a fair level of ability when winning the Newmarket Group 2 the last day.
WIN: SISKIN (5/6)
Curragh Friday Evening Fancies
5.15: Maiden
RECALL THE SHOW (5/1) (E/W)
5.45: Maiden
NO NAY YELLOW (8/1) (E/W)
6.15: Fillies Race
CAVELL (7/1) (E/W)
6.50: Phoenix Stakes (Group 1)
SISKIN (5/6)
7.25: Phoenix Sprint Stakes (Group 3)
SOUTHERN HORSE (5/1) (E/W)
Everything Racing 