Phoenix Thoroughbreds will have two chances to be involved in back-to-back Coolmore Stakes winners with Farnan and Holyfield both in Saturday’s big race line-up.
The Dubai based group are part of the consortium of high-profile owners behind last year’s winner Exceedance and go into this season’s renewal with two strong chances of a repeat, headed by homebred Farnan.
The Golden Slipper winner is among the favourites for the stallion making race, where Glenn Boss will ride for the first time. Earlier this year Phoenix and partners Aquis sold a majority share in the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt to Kia Ora Stud, who will stand him as a stallion at the end of his racing career.
“He is ready to go,” said co-trainer Bott of the son of Not A Single Doubt
“He has pulled up well from his jump-out last week down the straight which was just to give him a bit of experience anyway.
“It went well and he handled the straight, but we didn’t need to do much with him.
“After his trial last week at Gosford, his fitness is already where it needs to be for Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Holyfield continues to please trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace ahead of his shot at the Spring Grand Final. Co-owned by Phoenix and Aquis the I Am Invincible colt has shown great progression throughout his career so far, winning twice at Group Three level before making a very pleasing return to action when third in the Group Two Stutt Stakes last month. The three-year-old had his last serious piece of work on Tuesday morning with Ciaron Maher very pleased with the condition his charge is in ahead of the weekend.