Siskin facing ‘scary’ test in Sussex Stakes

Ger Lyons says Siskin, his visually impressive Irish 2,000 Guineas winner and favourite for the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood a week today, needs to improve to win what is shaping up into being the race of the season so far.

“It’s scary,” the Meath trainer said of the contest in which his colt will face 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko, Ascot’s Summer Mile winner, Mohaather, last year’s St James’s Palace winner, Circus Maximus, and, possibly, Earthlight, from France.

“Mohaather stands out, but I’d also be afraid of Circus Maximus and Kameko coming back to a mile,” he said. “The horse has done everything I’ve asked, but he’ll know about it next Wednesday. Physically, he’s improved, but I had him ready for the Irish 2,000 and he knew he’d had a race.

“He’s working well, but he needs to improve to beat these guys.

“On ratings he’s fourth or fifth. He’s rated 116. Is that good enough? Last year, Circus Maximus was 117 and was beaten by a 122 horse. I always think the English Guineas is the best form, but they [connections of Kameko] were brave and went a mile and a half [in the Derby]. I’m hoping the big races might have left their mark on a few of them and that’s our edge.”

Lyons said he would not blame the track if Siskin was beaten, adding: “We have to see who is best, and isn’t that what racing is about? He gets a mile and we’ll try and follow the right horse.”

Colin Keane, his stable jockey, has decided to serve two weeks in quarantine on his return to Ireland, which may hamper his championship chances, to come over with Siskin.

“It would be lovely if there was a bit of common sense and Colin could just have a test and not have to do two weeks. But it’s fantastic we’re racing in this crazy world.”