3.50 KEENELAND

PHOENIX STAKES

(GROUP 1) 6F

Air Force One: Course and distance winner on his debut, very well fancied when runner-up to Buratino in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. May once again have to play second fiddle to the Mark Johnston horse here.

Buratino: Winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, has looked very tough and professional in all his starts. On the form of his latest win he looks the one to beat.

Painted Cliffs: Could be the dark horse of the race, despite appearing to be the Ballydoyle second string. Well behind Air Force One on his debut, he improved to win his next two starts, the form suggesting he is good enough to make a bold bid here.

Rockaway Valley: Has twice finished second to Ballydoyle runners this season, although he did manage to win a maiden over this course and distance in between. Has to step up another level to win this.

Sixth Sense: Likely pacemaker for Buratino but a very capable horse in his own right. Will take plenty of pegging back and the others would not want to give him too much of an easy lead.

Washington DC: The Windsor Castle winner is yet another strong contender from Ballydoyle and, provided the step up in trip brings about the required improvement, he won’t be too far away at the finish here.

Zebstar: Newmarket maiden winner pitched in at the deep end on just his second racecourse appearance. Connections obviously feel he is deserving of a place in the field and Pat Smullen is an eye-catching booking.

Most Beautiful: Improving filly who won a Group 3 over the course and distance last time and now steps up in class.

No reason she can’t be competitive receiving weight from the colts.