Phoenix Stakes Preview: Siskin can halt O'Brien's domination

Aidan O'Brien has dominated the first juvenile Group 1 of the season, having won seven of the last 10 renewals - and a record 16 wins overall - most recently with Caravaggio (2016) and Sioux Nation (2017), who have both since been retired to stud. O'Brien saddles three of the five-strong field in his attempt to regain his crown after losing it last year to Martyn Meade and his multiple Group one winner Advertise. There are no overseas raiders for this year's renewal, but his task doesn't look to be straight forward with the hot favourite not in his yard.

Lining up for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane is the formidable looking Siskin, who will be hoping to make it a perfect four wins from four starts on Friday evening. He produced a polished performance on debut at Naas in May when putting nearly three lengths between him and his closest rival, running to a high rating (97) for a juvenile on debut at that time of year. Siskin improved from that when taking the step up to listed company in his stride when following up in the Marble Hill Stakes over C&D by two and a half lengths.

“At the moment we’re looking at six or seven furlongs, I would think. It’s reasonable to think he could get up to a mile."

Connections set sights on Phoenix Stakes at @curraghrace for unbeaten Siskin >>>https://t.co/maai0CjhRl pic.twitter.com/49CBafwPEE

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 4, 2019

That contest has produced two subsequent Group 1 winners in the last three years and Siskin can add to that here. He swerved Royal Ascot in favour of the Railway Stakes over this C&D and again made light work of the opposition, hitting the front on the bridle over two furlongs out and quickening clear under hands-and-heels from the re-opposing Monarch of Egypt. A Juddmonte homebred, the ceiling of his ability is yet to be found and he looks the next potential superstar for his connections with better still on the horizon.

The trio of Aidan O'Brien runners look to be headed by Monarch of Egypt, who is the pick of Ryan Moore. He was the first progeny of American Pharoah to run and win in Ireland when registering an easy success on debut over five furlongs at Naas in April, displaying his inexperience on the day but he also produced an above-average performance rating for a debutant. Monarch of Egypt also missed Royal Ascot, but was no match for Siskin in the Railway Stakes last time. He wasn't knocked about once his chance had gone, but after only two starts and with the possibility of more to come, it would be no surprise were he to get closer here.

Royal Lytham shaped better than the end result in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, and duly confirmed that impression when getting up late to win the July Stakes at Newmarket last time. He made headway from the rear that day and with Mount Fuji looking to be here to put some pace in the race, he could get this run to suit. The form of that performance was subsequently let down by the second and third at Glorious Goodwood, who both underperformed in the Vintage Stakes, but he is a Group 2 winner and could still be progressing.

Royal Lytham edges the Tattersalls July Stakes in a thrilling finish at @NewmarketRace! pic.twitter.com/3aEM93JU9T

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 11, 2019

Mount Fuji won on debut which earned him a shot at the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot on his second start, but he looked uncomfortable with the strong pace facing him that day. He got back on track when finishing a close fifth in the Anglesey, but he looks to have plenty to find on form to play a role in the finish here, and he might be here to try and give Colin Keane something to think about tactically.

Rounding off the quintet is Think Big for John Joseph Murphy, who broke his maiden tag in a minor event at Downpatrick last time. There should be more to come from him after just three starts, but he doesn't look anywhere near this standard yet, and connections will seemingly be looking to pick up some of the good prize money on offer for the places.

This looks to revolve around the first two home in the Railway Stakes and, though Monarch of Egypt has had one less start, he will need to take another leap forward to reverse the form with Siskin, who looks in a different league at this stage of his career. Ger Lyons' colt can maintain his unbeaten record and record a first Phoenix Stakes for the trainer.

Recommendation:

Back Siskin in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Friday