Henry dominates Phoenix market
Henrythenavigator, ante-post favourite for next year’s Stan James 2000 Guineas, is an odds-on chance to lift Sunday’s Independent Water’ford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
Cashmans make the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt the 4-7 favourite to give the Ballydoyle handler a ninth victory in the Group One contest.
Fasilyev, Johannesburg, George Washington and Holy Roman Emperor have triumphed for O’Brien in recent years and he fields three of the seven declared runners this time.
Warsaw and South Dakota also take their chances, but Henrythenavigator is a hot favourite following his victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Kingmambo colt faces an intriguing clash with fellow Ascot victor Elletelle, winner of the Queen Mary Stakes.
Ger Lyons’ filly ran with great credit when finishing a close third under a penalty in the Cherry Hinton last time and while she is taking a less traditional route, Lyons believes this is the right race for his charge.
“Everything has been 100% with her training and all the boxes are ticked bar one – the ground,” said Lyons.
“It’s yielding at the moment and drying but we are scheduled some rain. As long as we don’t get too much it should be fine.
“It might be an unconventional route to take with her but what have I to prove in going for the Lowther? She has already won a Group Two so she would have a penalty in that.
“Henrythenavigator is the best two-year-old I’ve seen and he is going to take some whacking but if I’m only placed, at worst I’m Group One placed.
“I’ve nothing to lose and I didn’t fancy crossing the water again, especially given the foot and mouth situation.
“The route I’m going to take her is the Cheveley Park. Hopefully we will have an Indian summer and the ground will be nice and quick.
“Racing is not about convention, it is about what is right for the horse. The Curragh is right beside me and even though I’m not lucky there, maybe I haven’t had the right type of horse.
“There is not just Henrythenavigator though, The Loan Express wasn’t far behind us at Ascot and Warsaw beat a nice one of mine (Irish Jig) earlier in the season.
“It’s a Group One and I’ve never had a runner in a Group One before but in my opinion she has earned the right to run in one.”
Independent Water’ford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes; Cashmans bet: 4-7 Henrythenavigator, 7-2 Elletelle, 10-1 The Loan Express, 12-1 Captain Royale, 16-1 Warsaw, 20-1 South Dakota, 50-1 Saorsie Abu.
