Race In Focus: Tom Collins sides with solid performer in mouthwatering Phoenix Stakes

Aidan O’Brien’s dominance in the Phoenix Stakes is astonishing. Winning one Group 1 is hard enough, but to plunder 16 editions of this race since 1998 is utterly mind-boggling.

The likes of Johannesburg (2001), George Washington (2005), Holy Roman Emperor (2006), Mastercraftsman (2008), Zoffany (2010) and Caravaggio (2016) have returned successful in the Phoenix Stakes for O’Brien since his reign of authority began. And, after somewhat surprisingly failing to enter the winner’s enclosure after the last four renewals, he looks to right that wrong with two strong competitors this time around.

Windsor Castle winner Little Big Bear is the choice of stable jockey Ryan Moore, which is hardly a surprise given his rapid improvement since being denied by a short-head on his debut over this course and distance in April.

A glance at his pedigree suggests that Little Big Bear would be seen to much better effect over trips in excess of a mile, but there is no doubting this scopey colt’s speed after his five-furlong Royal Ascot success. He beat seven subsequent winners that day, including Listed Dragon Stakes winner Rocket Rodney and Super Sprint hero Eddie’s Boy, so the form looks strong.

O’Brien made use of Little Big Bear’s abundant stamina last time out in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes at this venue, a race that he utterly dominated at a short price. Dropping back to six furlongs won’t cause him an issue and it would be no surprise if he racked up his fourth consecutive victory.

The negative is that this marks a step up in class for Little Big Bear and, given he will be sent off at relatively skinny odds, he fails to appeal as a betting proposition against a handful of leading performers in this juvenile crop.

Persian Force: won the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster on debut

His chief rivals - Bradsell, Persian Force and Blackbeard - faced one another in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, in which they finished first, second and fourth respectively. Bradsell built on a highly impressive debut success to score for Archie Watson, but appeared to benefit from a significant track bias.

Take nothing away from his performance - he sparkled in the Berkshire sun - but I preferred the effort from runner-up Persian Force, who suffered slight interference as he exited the pocket yet did much the best of those drawn high. His prior successes in the Brocklesby and a Newbury conditions event were scintillating. 

Richard Hannon’s runner returned to winning ways in the July Stakes last month, a race in which Little Big Bear was withdrawn just moments before the start, and further improvement appears likely for this 110-rated chestnut. 

Given he has been largely overlooked in the market despite boasting a rock-solid CV, Persian Force has to be the play under the masterful Rossa Ryan. The Champagne Stakes, which Hannon won two years ago with Chindit, might be an option further down the line, but this is a horse for the here and now.

Recommended bet

Back Persian Force (4.15 Curragh) @ 6.2