Classic Contenders at The Curragh

John Oxx runs Harasiya & Born To Sea at Curragh today

Will the Debutante and Phoenix Stakes provide us with 2013 Classic contenders at The Curragh today? 





John Oxx's Harasiya was very impressive in her two wins at Leopardstown so far and will look to the Debutante Stakes to make it a winning hat-trick this afternoon. Quoted with Ladbrokes and others at 16/1 for 2013 1000 Guineas that may look like value later today. Harasiya could provide Oxx with a quick double as Born to Sea stands a good chance of winning the Royal Whip Stakes after a valiant second in the Irish Derby.

This afternoon's Phoenix Stakes does not appear to have any superstars in it this year. O'Brien's Cristoforo Colombo is favourite with the absence of the classy Dawn Approach. Cristoforo Colombo has been beaten in good races in his last two starts but is still as short as 16/1 second favourite for the 2013 2000 Guineas. Crockford believes that not to be value and that better juveniles will make their mark later in the season.

The Champion sprinter of 2010 Starspangledbanner makes a reappearance after his unsuccessful stud retirement in the Phoenix Sprint today. If he has retained any of his former ability he should easily brush aside his rivals. The only threat to a winning seasonal debut is the filly Fire Lilly.

(Photograph - John Oxx at Glorious Goodwood 2012 by Stuart Rice)