Roman heads Phoenix hopefuls

Aidan O’Brien’s promising juvenile Holy Roman Emperor stands out among a 15-strong entry for the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

The Danehill colt proved a major disappointment when sent off the 4-1 joint-favourite for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in which he finished eight lengths behind Bryan Smart’s Hellvelyn, who could renew rivalry in this weekend’s Group One affair.

Holy Roman Emperor went a long way to redeeming his lofty reputation when recording a ready success over Drayton – who may reoppose on Sunday – in last month’s Group Two Railway Stakes.

O’Brien’s charge could be joined in the line-up by once-raced stablemate Theann.

Kevin Prendergast is set to be well represented as he holds four entries at the five-day stage.

The County Kildare handler can choose from Brazilian Bride, Twenty Questions, Regional Counsel and Miss Beatrix.

David Wachman’s Mythical Echo and the Dermot Weld-trained Fleeting Shadow are two other notable names, while Hellvelyn could be joined by fellow British raiders Silca Chiave and Navajo Squaw.

Rabatash, King Of Swords and Slaney Time complete the entry list for Sunday’s six-furlong showpiece.