4.35 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) 6f

Arizona Blaze: Battle-hardened colt represents same connections as last year’s winner, Bucanero Fuerte. Finished a short-head in front of Whistlejacket when third in the Norfolk Stakes before running below that level in the Railway Stakes, though probably didn’t see the best of him when racing alone for much of the journey – and he showed an excellent attitude to get back up for third. Probably overpriced, even though his First Flier Stakes run behind Whistlejacket leaves him with work to do.

Rudi’s Apple: Big effort as a maiden when sixth in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot before unable to collect as 6/4 favourite in a Fairyhouse maiden. However, form of that defeat reads much better now since the winner, Black Forza, struck in last week’s Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.

This is much tougher than winning the first nursery of the season off top-weight here last time.

Shadow Army: Smart performance to win on debut at York and was soon snapped up by Wathnan Racing for Windsor Castle Stakes bid, finishing mid-field as 4/1 favourite. Much more like it when plugging on into second in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly last month. First-time cheekpieces need to eke out further improvement.

Whistlejacket: Brother to Little Big Bear, who won this race in 2022 by a scintillating seven lengths, is the highest-rated runner in the line-up with a rating of 111. Readily had the beating of Arizona Blaze in the First Flier Stakes before unable to confirm that form in the Norfolk Stakes when fourth as 10/11 favourite. Saved his very best for the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket last time, though, running out ready winner. Reproduction of that showing makes him hard to beat.

Babouche: Highly exciting filly is the only unbeaten runner in the line-up, having blown her rivals away on Cork debut before getting the better of Camille Pissaro in the Anglesey Stakes 20 days ago. Little not to like about well-bred daughter of Kodiac, though others have the advantage of greater experience in blacktype-level two-year-old sprints.

Heavens Gate: Third in both the Albany and Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, and appreciated dropping down in class to win the valuable Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas last weekend. Brings plenty of experience to the table and is clearly in good heart but needs to deliver a career-best to win this.