Hollie Doyle hopes more to come from on the run Coventry Stakes (G2) winner Bradsell who set his undefeated record against a bunch of Europe’s top youth teams in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1).
Bradsell coach Archie Watson has called the €300,000 competition the “2-year race of the season” this week, and relationships couldn’t be happier with Royal Ascot’s preparedness.
Behind Tasleet colt last time was Saturday’s opponent Persian Forces (second), and Black beard (fourth)—second next winner of group 2—while placing third Royal scotist boosted their form by landing Richmond Stakes (G2) last week.
“Coventry’s form has been very good, so hopefully he can take another step in the right direction,” said Doyle. “He’s undefeated and gets a slight run against the competition, but he’s very outspoken and his work has been solid up until now.”
O’Brien bid for the 17th Phoenix Strike
No one dominates the Phoenix Stakes like Aidan O’Brien, and the legendary coach brought two of Ireland’s most prized underdogs into battle as he claimed his 17th win in the race.
Blackbeard, the most experienced runner on the team with six runs, is officially rated 5 pounds more than his stablemate Little Bear after being easily defeated South Pole during last month’s Darley Prix Robert Papin (G2). However, Ryan Moore remains loyal to the impressive Windsor Castle and Jebel Ali And Stables Anglesey Stakes (G3) Little Big Bear Race Scorer.
Shartash is the second highest priced runner in the line but regular racer Ben Coen believes he can make his presence felt.
Representing Johnny Murtagh and Aga Khan, Invincible spirit Colt hit better than Blackbeard in this process and distance last time.
Coen said: “He’s a very interesting horse and I can’t wait to get back to him. He has the right to step into group 1 company, so hopefully he can hit it in the step. Blackbeard won well in France but I didn’t” I don’t know why our boy cost that. He’s doing everything right at home. “
Apache Outlaw , who finished a length and a quarter behind Shartash in third in Railroad Gain (G2), was an outsider. Coach Joseph O’Brien said: “He ran very well in the Railroad. This seems to be a top 1 group but it would be nice to share the spoils.”
