Phoenix Sprint Stakes 2011

5.05 Curragh

Patrick P. O'leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint Stakes (group 3) (3YO plus)

Winner €40,626

Pick: Deacon Blues (win)

Deacon Blues: Progressive throughout last year when third in the Portland and gained deserved big race success when gusty winner of the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (Reopposing Pastoral Player Back in third); Bettered that with easy Group 3 win at Newbury and rates outstanding chance in what looks like weaker race.

Hitchens: Has developed a very consistent  profile this season, winning a Group here in June and producing career-best effort when third in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket last time; That run makes him one to beat and should go close, although slight worry that his runs just flatter him a touch; Big chance.

Artic: Looked like an exciting prospect at 2 when winning at Bellewstown and Curragh, winning listed race by 5 lengths in latter start before he racked up hat trick in Tower Stakes; Not gone close to matching that form since (apart from when fifth in L’Abbaye) and others preferred.

Norville: Has thrived this year in improving from a rating of 62 to 98, but seems to have levelled off now and stiff task at these weights.

Six Of Hearts: Strictly speaking, would be entitled to squeak based on his win in competitive sprint handicap here in June(102) but unable to repeat that form in weak Group 3 here last time out and others readily preferred.

Winker Watson: High class juvenile (winner of the Norfolk and July Stakes in 2007) & back from stud to run this season; Showed some ability when sixth on comeback but well behind Hitchens in July Cup.

Empowering: Made steady progression thoughought last year and kept on from where she left off when making all to land 1,000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown; Best effort since when dropped back to 6f last time and not to be underestimated.

Oor Jock: Looks outclassed on all recent form even though he’s probably worth of a mark of 95.

Radharcnafarrige: Refound her best form from juvenile season when winning fillies Group 3 over 6f at Leopardstown in June, but been disappointing since and passed over here.

VERDICT: Hitchens is a formidable opponent but the progressive DEACON BLUES has the better draw and is a confident pick to come out on top today based on the impression he’s given when winning the Wokingham and the Hackwood Stakes.