10 in Phoenix Stakes contention Buratino is set to take on the might of Ballydoyle after being confirmed for the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Mark Johnston's youngster claimed his fourth victory from six starts in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and steps up to Group One level for the first time this weekend. The Middleham maestro also has the option of recent Winkfield Stakes winner Sixth Sense, with David Brown's Tribesman, Gay Kelleway's Zebstar and the William Haggas-trained Raucous completing a five-strong British contingent. Aidan O'Brien has saddled a staggering 13 previous winners of one of Ireland's most prestigious juvenile prizes, with Johannesburg (2001), George Washington (2005) and Holy Roman Emperor (2006) among those on the role of honour. The Fethard-based trainer is responsible for three of the 10 horses entered for this year's renewal, with Coventry runner-up Air Force Blue joined by stable companions Washington DC, winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal meeting, and Railway Stakes scorer Painted Cliffs. Jessica Harrington's Railway second Rockaway Valley and the only filly in the race, Most Beautiful from David Wachman's yard, complete the list.
