'Hopefully he's the one' - Rossa Ryan eyeing Group 1 breakthrough in Phoenix

NEWMARKET, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Rossa Ryan riding Persian Force (purple) win The Close Brothers July Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse on July 07, 2022 in Newmarket, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Persian Force: likely to be a leading candidate for the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Rossa Ryan says a change of tactics has worked the magic for Persian Force and his rivals will have to bring their A-game to beat him in a star-studded Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (4.15) at the Curragh on Saturday.

A field of 12 could take part for Group 1 honours including Bradsell, who beat Persian Force in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Little Big Bear, who was an impressive winner of the Anglesey Stakes last time.

Ballydoyle also have exciting Prix Robert Papin scorer Blackbeard, impressive debut winner Aesop's Fables as well as Group 3-winning fillies Meditate and Never Ending Story entered, but Ryan has plenty of confidence in his Richard Hannon-trained partner making it successive wins in the race for British-trained runners.

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Owen GouldingDigital journalist

Published on 2 August 2022inNews

Last updated 19:40, 2 August 2022

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