SIOUX CAN STUN STAR BECK
O’brien’s Nation to rise in Phoenix
AIDAN O’brien’s fourstrong challenge for this year’s Keeneland Phoenix Stakes can pay dividends, with Sioux Nation getting the vote in this afternoon’s feature.
The first Group 1 of the year in Europe for twoyear-olds has attracted an interesting line up headed by Gordon Elliott’s Beckford.
He heads into this race defending an unbeaten record, but on this occasion he might have to give best to Sioux Nation.
This fast-ground loving colt met with a couple of defeats early in the season, but showed his true worth when landing the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Since then he has been aimed at this race and the return to six furlongs will not be a problem for the son of Scat Daddy.
Beckford has shown lots of potential on both his starts which have come over this course and distance.
Last month’s fine win in the Railway Stakes means he is one of the top rated two-year-olds and a worthy favourite.
Today’s going will be the quickest that he has encountered and, with this in mind, marginal preference is for Sioux Nation.
The day’s other Pattern race sees a competitive field go to post for the Phoenix Sprint Stakes.
The one that appeals most is the English raider Koropick. The soft ground was all against him last time, but previously won a Group 3 at Newcastle.
He also chased home sprinting star Battaash at Sandown in June and that form now makes for impressive reading.
In the opener, Brick By Brick should record a deserved success after a series of good runs in defeat.
He comes here off a couple of last-gasp defeats, but should make no mistake this time.
In the other two-yearold maiden, Swiss Cottage is put forward to build on his fine debut here on Monday.
Elsewhere, Windsor Beach looks a strong contender for the closing event on the card and can take advantage of a drop in class.