Connoisseur flying ahead of big test

Art Connoisseur has come through his latest workout with flying colours as the Coventry Stakes winner prepares for his first taste of Group One action in the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes on Sunday week.

Michael Bell’s Lucky Story colt routed the opposition at the Royal meeting and is currently 12-1 favourite with the sponsors for the stanjamesuk.com 2000 Guineas.

Bell is currently in the middle of an outstanding run of form with eight winners in the last two weeks and a barrage of runners also taking minor honours.

“I’ve never experienced a spell like this before where my horses are in such a rich vein of form,” said Bell.

“Everything we run is running a big race. They are in good order.

“Art Connoisseur worked really nicely on Saturday. Jamie (Spencer) came to ride him and he was very happy with him.

“Hopefully everything leads to the Phoenix Stakes.”