Smart youngster bids to scale new heights

Bryan Smart’s Royal Ascot winner Hellvelyn could bid to enhance his reputation further in Sunday’s Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The Group One event is the next possible engagement for the unbeaten juvenile who won the first race of the Royal meeting – the Coventry Stakes – in fine style.

He beat Richard Hannon’s well-regarded Major Cadeaux that day and now finds himself heading most ante-post lists for next year’s 2000 Guineas.

“We’re leaving him in at this stage, we are going to have a look at what is declared but he worked super this morning,” said Smart.

“He’s developed since his last race. I thought he was a bit on the leg if you want my honest opinion – a little bit weak.

“But he did the job well enough and I am still very excited about the horse.

“I could not be more pleased with him at present so we are aiming for Group One’s now.

“He’s got the entry in Ireland and he is still in the Group One in France (Prix Morny, August 20). We’ll have a look at both of them.

“Not many of those who finished behind him have run. Kevin Ryan’s (Sadeek) ran well in Ireland and Jo’Burg won his maiden so we don’t know how strong the form is yet but I think it was a good Coventry.

“Richard Hannon certainly thinks a lot of his (Major Cadeaux) and I’ve always thought the world of mine.”