Buratino camp eye race before Curragh raid Buratino may take in a race before bidding for Group One success in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on August 9. Time-wise, the Arqana July Stakes at Newmarket on July 9 would be a likely option for the Mark Johnston-trained colt following his victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. "It's eight weeks to the Phoenix which is the logical step up to Group One company," said Johnston's son and assistant Charlie. "Whether he'll have a run between now and then that decision will lie between Sheikh Mohammed, John Ferguson (the owner's bloodstock advisor) and dad, but he's come out of the race in great form. "He'll have an entry in the July Stakes. That's an obvious one, another six-furlong Group Two. The Richmond at Goodwood is a bit closer to the Phoenix and there's nothing really in between. "If he was to have another run, the July Stakes would be the obvious option, but I couldn't say for definite if he'd go there or not at this stage. "William (Buick) got off him at Ascot and said he would definitely stay seven, but at this stage there's no need to. "The first two Group Ones for two-year-olds in Europe are the Phoenix and the Morny and they are both over six furlongs."
