Pheonix Stakes (G1)
August 6, 2022
This is the first Group 1 of the season for juveniles in Europe.
The unbeaten Bradsell, winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot over 6f will go off favourite. The form of the Coventry has been well franked since with the second, third and fourth all subsequently winning at G2 level. Persian Force, second, beaten 1½L, improved to take the July Stakes at Newmarket over 6f. Royal Scotsman, third, took the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. Blackbeard, fourth, 3¾L adrift, took the Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly.
Little Big Bear, well-touted early in the season as a leading Ballydoyle hopeful was also a winner at Royal Ascot taking the Windsor Castle over 5f. Strong form also, the second won at Listed level and then ran second in a G3, He’s since stepped up to 6½f where he won the G3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh very comfortably however the form of that has been slightly knocked with Babd, third in the race, since well beaten.
Shartash got the better of Blackbeard and Apache Outlaw in the G2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh over 6f on Derby day. He was brave coming through the pair to nick it on the line.
It’s a tight one. Blackbeard is a late scrath so it will mean Little Big Bear is the sole Ballydoyle representitive. He will put it up to Bradsell and Persian Force and can continue to build on his solid reputation.
Recommendation
Little Big Bear 7/4 win.
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