Who will rise from the Phoenix ashes? Little Big Bear and Bradsell set for clash

Windsor Castle and impressive Anglesey Stakes winner Little Big Bear will face five rivals, including a mouthwatering clash with Coventry Stakes winner Bradsell, in Saturday’s Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt heads the betting and is a 6-4 shot with most firms as he bids for a fourth win in five starts, as well as giving his trainer his 17th success in the €300,000 race. He is also represented by recent Prix Robert Papin winner Blackbeard.

There will be a strong British challenge in the six-runner field, headlined by the Archie Watson-trained Bradsell, who built on his impressive debut at York to land Royal Ascot’s most prestigious two-year-old contest, and Hollie Doyle again takes the ride.

Bradsell got the better of the Richard Hannon-trained Persian Force in the Coventry, but the latter bounced back with a ready success in the July Stakes, and Rossa Ryan will continue his partnership with him in Saturday’s sprint.

Railway Stakes winner Shartash and Joseph O’Brien’s Apache Outlaw complete the six-runner field.

Phoenix Stakes final field

Apache OutlawDeclan McDonagh
BlackbeardSeamie Heffernan
BradsellHollie Doyle
Little Big BearRyan Moore
Persian ForceRossa Ryan
ShartashBen Coen

Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (4.15 Curragh, Saturday)

Paddy Power: 15-8 Little Big Bear, 9-4 Bradsell, 4 Blackbeard, 9-2 Persian Force, 11 Shartash, 40 Apache Outlaw

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