Keeneland Phoenix stakes | Horse Racing Free Tips

Curragh Given Go-Ahead Amidst Lockdown

Sunday’s G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. card at The Curragh has been given the green light to proceed despite lockdown measures being tightened in Kildare after a spike in coronavirus cases.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “We have had confirmation racing can continue behind closed doors, that was part of the government announcement. We have detailed safety procedures in place. The protocols are strong and they have been well-adhered to since racing resumed and it’s important everyone keeps following them.”

For the next two weeks, restrictions in Kildare as well as Laois and Offaly will include limited movement with the exception of work purposes and essential journeys; closure of restaurants and pubs aside from takeaway services, deliveries and limited outdoor dining and the closure of indoor entertainment and sport venues such as cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries and bingo halls.

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Ventura Tormenta Added To Phoenix

Middleham Park Racing’s G2 Prix Robert Papin winner Ventura Tormenta (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) was one of four supplementary entries on Tuesday to Sunday’s G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. at The Curragh. He was joined, as expected, by G3 Molecomb S. winner Steel Bull (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) as well as the G2 Airlie Stud S. winner Aloha Star (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner Giorgio Vasari (Ire) (Air Force Blue).

Ventura Tormenta will be re-opposing The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}), who he beat by a head in the Papin. The Lir Jet finished ahead of Ventura Tormenta when winning the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot.

“Middleham Park were keen to take the race on because the Morny was already looking over-subscribed,” said Ventura Tormenta’s trainer Richard Hannon. “I think this was a good opportunity for the horse to have a crack at a Group 1. He has come back from France well and has never looked better. He has put on weight and the whole experience of France will have done his confidence a lot of good. I think the track at The Curragh will suit him and he is a very straightforward horse. I think he is joint top-rated going into the race and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do. He will be renewing his rivalry with The Lir Jet, which will be a challenge, while there will be some other nice horses in there, which you expect at this level.”

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The Lir Jet Headed To Phoenix

G2 Norfolk S. winner The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}), beaten a head when second in the July 19 G2 Prix Robert Papin, is set for next Sunday’s G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. at The Curragh. The Qatar Racing colourbearer was originally slated for the Aug. 21 Nunthorpe S. against elders, but trainer Michael Bell said that is likely off the table now.

“The Lir Jet worked well this morning,” Bell said. “He is likely to go to Ireland now for the Phoenix S. as plans have been made to get him there. We were thinking of the Nunthorpe, but we thought while he is in great order we may as well give him another chance [at six furlongs]. He just got beat in France on the nod and it was a case of one having its head up and the other having its head down. We could end up dropping back down to five with him, but there are no Group 1 2-year-old-only five-furlong races around and with the penalty he would have to carry in other races we thought it was sensible to try him at six.”

He added, “You can never rule anything out, but I would say it is highly unlikely he would run in the Nunthorpe as well, as he would have been to France and Ireland and then coming back for a Nunthorpe would be quite a lot for a 2-year-old. If he was to win we would rest on laurels for a bit, if he finished a good second or third we could then look at the Flying Childers.”

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