Patrick P. O'leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint Stakes 2010

5.10 Curragh
Patrick P. O'leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint Stakes (group 3) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner €42,250

Pick: Bewitched (win)

Duff: Front runner who is prolific at listed/group level, but has been below best this term with a pair of rather lacklustre Group 3 seconds, and once again given tough time of things at weights.

Snaefell: Best days came last season, minor event at Cork and Group 3 here but only ran to that level on one occasion since, when second to Markab in Greenlands Stakes; Needs more to defy penalty here.

Croisulatan: Gained desperate win in Belgrave Stakes but came up short in Group company here next time (behind Duff) and will probably struggle again.

Lusiant: Been as good as ever at low listed level this term, beaten into third behind Miss Gorica and filled same spot behind Invincible Ash at Tipperary just 2 days ago; Looks held on those runs.

Invincible Ash: Connections aiming to make hay while the sun shines, as this horse comes here on a roll having won valuable handicap at the Curragh, minor race at Leopardstown and listed event at Tipperary on last 3 starts; Sure to give good account although form of all 3 is dubious.

Miss Gorica: who was better than ever early this year, taking handicap at Navan and listed race at Naas (made all); Has lost way since and cheekpieces now tired (will need major effect as she has to make up 8 lengths on bewitched from last time)

Prescription: Typical Mark Prescott improver who won listed contest at Nottingham in May, before being undone by draw (drawn in stall 1, first 2 came from 6 & 7) and slow start when only third to Bewitched at Naas last time; May have same problem here from widest draw in 10.

Bewitched: Took giant leap forward and left 2 year old form miles behind when romping home in competitive Naas handicap has hasn’t stopped improving since, isted races at Haydock and Naas (beat next-time-out winner) either side of disappointing efforts and could go well with nice draw and plenty of pace likely to suit.

Wrong Answer: Dundalk maiden and Curragh listed winner last year but seemingly regressed and hard to fancy based on her eighth last time.

VERDICT: A pretty shocking race. BEWITCHED has at least won three times this season, was impressive last time and seems to get on with Johnny Murtagh so gets the vote.