Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Prokofiev is ready to Serge
SERGEI PROKOFIEV is expected to reverse Coventry Stakes form with British raider Advertise and give Aidan O’brien a 17th Keeneland Phoenix Stakes success at the Curragh tomorrow.
A disappointing field of only six will chase a winner’s prize of €142,500, with four representatives in the line-up from Ballydoyle.
And, although he finished a neck behind Advertise when they filled the placings behind Calyx in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, Sergei Prokofiev gets the vote.
Having looked very smart in wide-margin wins at Navan and Naas before going to Ascot, Sergei was given plenty to do by Ryan Moore in the Coventry and, having come from the back of the pack on the far side, he appeared to tire and lost second spot close home.
In this smaller field, things should be more straightforward, with plenty of pace guaranteed. And the Scat Daddy colt can land the spoils.
Since Ascot, Advertise went on to win the Group 2 Arqana July Stakes in Newmarket, beating Konchek by two lengths. And his trainer Martyn Meade has been bullish about the colt this week.
Frankie Dettori’s mount deserves respect. But back after a short break, Sergei Prokofiev is preferred.
O’brien also runs Coventry 13th The Irish Rover and fillies Soo
Perfect and Gossamer Wings while the only other participant is the Jessica Harrington-trained Indigo Balance, successful on his debut at the Curragh in
May before beating just one of his 22 rivals in the Coventry.
Spirit Of Valor sets the standard in the Group 3 Qatar Racing Phoenix Sprint Stakes.
He had filled eighth position in both the July Cup and Diamond Jubilee Stakes and looks a stand-out here on his close second to subsequent Group 1 winner Merchant Navy in the Greenalnds over this route in May.