Art Connoisseur facing tough test at the Curragh

Michael Bell’s Art Connoisseur is the only British entry among a total of nine in Sunday’s Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The Coventry Stakes winner has been targeted at the race ever since his Royal Ascot romp where he beat Jim Bolger’s Intense Focus by two and a quarter lengths.

As usual, Aidan O’Brien’s runners will warrant close inspection as the Ballydoyle handler has won eight of the last 10 renewals.

Only David Wachman’s Damson in 2004 and Bolger’s Saorsie Abu (2007) have broken the stranglehold and both were fillies.

This year O’Brien has the unbeaten Mastercraftsman, Sea Of Marmara, Gluteus Maximus and Egypt to choose from.

Wachman himself has another smart sort entered in Bushranger, runner-up at Ascot but a good winner of the Anglesey Stakes last time.

Kevin Prendergast last won the race back in 1991 with Bradawn Breever but has two live chances this time with Alhaban and the unbeaten filly Shimah.

Alhaban was beaten a short-head by Mastercraftsman in the Railway Stakes while Shimah figures prominently in the ante-post betting for the 1000 Guineas.

Edward Lynam’s Kamado completes the line-up.