Brilliant Beckford bids to provide Elliott with maiden Group 1

Unbeaten Railway Stakes winner Beckford is the even money favourite with Paddy Power to provide Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott with a first Group 1 on the Flat in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this Sunday.

The son of Bated Breath has flown the flag for the trainer's fledgling career on the Flat, and hopes are high he can extend his unbeaten record to three in the Keeneland-sponsored feature.

Elliott said: "I was thrilled with him last time but he’ll probably come on a bit even for that as he was a little bit green when he got to the front.

"He’s a very nice horse and he’ll have to improve again but we think he's in good form and I’m happy with him."

Gordon Elliott: trainer of BeckfordCredit: Patrick McCann

He added: "If you told me when I bought these few lads that I'd be running in Group 1s I'd have laughed – even making the entries for them at the start felt stupid, but thankfully it's all worked out."

Elliott is far more familiar with stiff challenges posed by Willie Mullins than Aidan O'Brien, but it is the perennial Flat champion trainer who is likely to be his chief rival in the Phoenix.

O'Brien is responsible for seven of the 12 remaining after Tuesday's forfeit stage, including Newmarket July Stakes runner-up U S Navy Flag, Norfolk Stakes winner Sioux Nation and Actress, who landed the Anglesey Stakes last time.

Sioux Nation could well spearhead the Ballydoyle battalion in Sunday's Phoenix StakesCredit: Mark Cranham

Romanised was far from disgraced in the Coventry, being beaten a little over two lengths, and Ken Condon believes his charge has improved since Royal Ascot.

The trainer said: “We like him a lot and after Sunday we'll know a lot more.

"He's always given us the impression he's a good colt and in the circumstances, with him being slowly away at Royal Ascot, I felt he ran very well."

Frozen Angel and Helvetian could make the journey from Britain for Tom Dascombe and Mick Channon respectively.

Hat-trick bid

Elsewhere on Sunday, Joe Murphy’s stable star Only Mine will seek to make it three wins on the bounce in the Group 3 At The Races Phoenix Sprint Stakes.

Currently 14 are engaged, including Cougar Mountain, who was supplemented for €6,000 by O'Brien.

Globetrotter Gordon Lord Byron, Mr Lupton, Kimberella and Moviesta are among the other contenders.

Only Mine bids for further glory in Sunday's Group 3 At The Races Phoenix Sprint Stakes.Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Phoenix Stakes betting

Paddy Power Evens Beckford, 4 U S Navy Flag, 11-2 Sioux Nation, 7 Frozen Angel, 8 Actress, Fleet Review, Romanised, 12 Declarationofpeace, 25 Helvetian, 50 Mount Wellington, 66 Dali, 100 T For Tango