Beckford (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) could face up to 11 rivals when he puts his unbeaten record on the line in the G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. at The Curragh on Sunday. A rare 2-year-old runner for Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott, Beckford made a big impression on his racecourse debut at The Curragh in May.He returned to the same venue to win the G2 Railway S. at the start of last month and will now test the water at Group 1 level this weekend.
Elliott said, “He's a very nice horse and he'll have to improve again, but we think he is in good form and I'm happy with him. I was thrilled with him the last day, but he'll probably come on a bit even for that as he was a little bit green when he got to the front.”
Twelve months ago Aidan O'Brien won the six-furlong Phoenix S. for a remarkable 16th time with Caravaggio (Scat Daddy). The Ballydoyle handler could have up to seven in this edition in Sioux Nation (Scat Daddy), winner of the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot, and dual course-and-distance scorer Fleet Review (War Front). Dali (Scat Daddy), 'TDN Rising Star' Declarationofpeace (War Front), Mount Wellington (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), US Navy Flag (War Front) and Actress (Ire) (Declaration of War) make up the seven-strong squad.
Ken Condon's Romanised (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and T For Tango (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) from James Nash's stable are the other potential home-trained contenders, while the Tom Dascombe-trained Frozen Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Helvetian (GB) (Swiss Spirit {GB}) from Mick Channon's yard could travel from Britain.
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