Unbeaten KY-Bred Caravaggio Aims for Phoenix
Image:
Description:
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Caravaggio wins the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot June 14, 2016
Trainer Aidan O'Brien's brilliant juvenile, Kentucky-bred Caravaggio, the early favorite for next year's Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-I), is among the 10 entries for the €250,000 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Ire-I) at the Curragh.
Caravaggio, a son of Scat Daddy owned by Coolmore and partners, posted an impressive 2 1/4-length victory in the Coventry Stakes (Eng-II) June 14 at Royal Ascot, a win that was flattered when runner-up Mehmas took a pair of group II races in his subsequent starts: the Arqana July Stakes at Newmarket July 7 and Richmond Stakes July 28 at Goodwood.
"Caravaggio has been in good form since Royal Ascot and everyone has been happy with him," O'Brien said of Caravaggio, who won on debut at April 14 at Dundalk and then captured the Marble Hill Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths May 21 at the Curragh after collaring the runner-up in the final 100 yards "He has just been continuing his routine but it has gone well and we are pleased."
Caravaggio, a half brother to 2010 Gallant Bloom (gr. II) winner My Jen, was bred by Windmill Manor Farms and Petaluma Bloodstock. O'Brien will be bidding to win the race for a third consecutive year and 15th time overall
In addition to Caravaggio, O'Brien has five additional entries among remaining eligible, including Churchill, winner of the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Tyros Stakes (Ire-III) July 21 at Leopardstown in back to back starts. Others from Ballydoyle who could make the six-furlong Phoenix are Courage Under Fire, Edgar Allan Poe, Intelligence Cross, and Roly Poly.
Also possible for the race is Ger Lyons-trained Medicine Jack, a very impressive winner of the Railway Stakes (Ire-I) June 25 at the Curragh in his most recent start, while O'Brien's son Joseph could send Marble Hill third-place finisher Ambiguity.
Kevin O'Malley, the United States Ambassador to Ireland, will be the guest of honor to celebrate the running of the Phoenix Stakes sponsored by Keeneland Association. O'Malley will join the representatives from Keeneland to present the trophies to the winning owner, trainer, and jockey following the running of the race.