Washington set for Curragh test
George Washington is odds-on to enhance his Classic credentials in the Group One Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Already a 16-1 chance alongside stablemate Horatio Nelson for the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas, the Danehill colt is as short as 4-7 to see off his six rivals in this weekend’s six-furlong contest.
Kieren Fallon will again be aboard Aidan O’Brien’s charge after the partnership took the Railway Stakes over the course and distance last month, having also won a maiden race at the track in May.
George Washington faces clashes again with Jim Bolger’s Namaya who was beaten a length into third in the Railway Stakes, but has since bolted up in a Naas maiden.
Barry Hills’ Red Clubs will be out to regain the winning thread under Mick Kinane after disappointing last time out when finishing down the field in the July Stakes – a run which came hot the the heels of a success at the Royal meeting.
The son of Red Ransom had extended his winning run to three when capturing the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot at York, and will be joined at the County Kildare track by fellow British raider Guest Connections.
Mick Channon’s charge landed a Group race in Italy earlier in the summer but was unsettled in the stalls at Newmarket on his only start since when finishing ninth – beaten 22 lengths – by Horatio Nelson.
Aidan O’Brien is also responsible for Amadeus Mozart who has yet to break his duck in three starts while the Harry Rogers-trained Shinko Dancer and Kevin Prendergast’s Ugo Fire complete the field.
Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes betting:
Cashmans: 4-6 George Washington, 5-2 Red Clubs, 4-1 Namaya, 12-1 Guest Connections, 33-1 Ugo Fire, 66-1 Amadeus Mozart, Shinko Dancer.
Boylesports: 4-6 George Washington, 3-1 Red Clubs, 4-1 Namaya, 12-1 Guest Connections, 20-1 Amadeus Mozart, 50-1 Ugo Fire, 100-1 Shinko Dancer.
Paddy Power: 4-7 George Washington, 7-2 Red Clubs, 5-1 Namaya, 12-1 Guest Connections, 25-1 Amadeus Mozart, 40-1 Ugo Fire, 66-1 Shinko Dancer.
