Super Siskin out to cement status as leading Irish juvenile in Phoenix Stakes

6.50 Curragh
Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) | 6f, 2yo | RTV

Siskin has made a sensational start to his career and Ger Lyons' unbeaten colt is tasked with cementing his status as Ireland's leading juvenile – and the greatest threat to Pinatubo for next year's 2,000 Guineas – in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.

However, Siskin, named after a diminutive garden bird, will have to soar like the mighty Phoenix if he is to topple Royal Lytham and Monarch Of Egypt in a race their trainer Aidan O'Brien has made his own since the turn of the century.

This will be the toughest test Khalid Abdullah's two-year-old has faced, but he could hardly have created a better impression in winning his three starts and has been installed as the odds-on favourite to provide Lyons and rider Colin Keane with a first domestic Group 1.

Siskin renews rivalry with Railway Stakes runner-up Monarch Of Egypt in the Keeneland-backed prize, which O'Brien has failed to win only five times this century, and Curragh's Friday night crowd should be served up a real treat.

However, heavy showers are forecast on Thursday night into Friday, with potentially 25mm of rain set to fall prior to racing, and softening ground is a worry for Keane.

Siskin: quickened nicely to win the Railway Stakes at the CurraghCredit: Caroline Norris

He said: "The more rain that falls the more it will be a hindrance. He's only ever raced on quick ground, but we'll see how it goes. He's a very straightforward horse to ride and I'm obviously looking forward to it."

Classic clues?

You have to go back as far as Mastercraftsman in 2008 to find the last winner to win this race before going on to add a Classic the following year. Siskin is a top-priced 14-1 chance for next year's 2,000 Guineas.

Pros & cons

Pros The highest-rated Irish two-year-old in training, with a mark of 110, and has yet to be beaten.

Cons Improvement is expected from main rival Monarch Of Egypt and soft ground is an unknown.

Monarch Of Egypt storms clear of his rivals at NaasCredit: Patrick McCann

O'Brien triple-handed in bid for 17th Phoenix

Aidan O'Brien and the Phoenix Stakes go together like salt and pepper, pencil and paper or Galileo and Group 1 winners.

The master of Ballydoyle's record in this juvenile highlight is quite remarkable.

Since 1998 O'Brien has recorded 16 victories and saddles three of the five runners, although he believes the damp forecast won't be ideal for his contingent.

"We don't know how the rain will impact them, but it's not going to be ideal for anyone," O'Brien said.

Ryan Moore rides Monarch Of Egypt, second to Siskin at the Curragh on Irish Derby day having previously impressed when making a winning debut at Naas in April before missing Royal Ascot due to a setback.

O'Brien said of the son of American Pharoah: "He was ready to start back in the Railway Stakes last time and we've been happy with him since."

In the last ten years O'Brien has been responsible for 50 per cent of the first three home (15-30) and has had seven winners.

Royal Lytham, who will be ridden by O'Brien's son and champion jockey Donnacha, is no back number for the Coolmore challenge against Siskin. He impressed when winning the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket last month, and O'Brien said: "Royal Lytham won nicely at Newmarket and we haven't done much with him since, but he seems well."

Royal Lytham (near side) picked up nicely when hitting the rising ground in the July Stakes at NewmarketCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The Ballydoyle trio is completed by Mount Fuji, who won a Cork maiden on his first start before finishing down the field in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and then fifth in the Anglesey Stakes.

"Mount Fuji was green when winning first time out at Cork but picked up experience at Ascot and we thought he came forward again since at the Curragh," said O'Brien.

Monarch Of Egypt pros & cons

Pros Expected to improve from his second to Siskin in the Railway Stakes and rates an exciting juvenile.

Cons Unsure whether he'll improve enough to reverse form with Ger Lyons' star and soft ground will be a new test for this son of an American Triple Crown winner.

Royal Lytham pros & cons

Pros Progressing nicely and looks the type who should have more to come.

Cons Hasn't been the stable's first string on jockey bookings for any of his three starts.

Mount Fuji pros & cons

ProsHails from a stable with an outstanding record in this and looks one who should improve with racing, producing a career-best last time.

Cons Hasn't proved he's up to this level yet and his two stablemates have stronger form.

Murphy dreaming big with his Think

Trainer John Murphy and his team have been rewarded for their decision to leave recent Down Royal winner Think Big in the line-up for this €300,000 prize, with his charge guaranteed to take home his share of the spoils.

Rated just 89, this looks an unenviable task for his Night Of Thunder colt, but Murphy's son and assistant George is confident his juvenile won't look out of place.

"It'd be unfortunate if the rain that's forecast really gets into the ground, but he's in very good form and won't disgrace himself," he said.

"We're under no illusions that this is a massive step up and a massive ask of the horse, but he's coming forward with every run and he's a quick horse."

Pros & cons

Pros Open to improvement and has the makings of a smart sort in time.

Cons Has no experience at this level and needs to prove he's up to this standard.

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