O`Brien pair may clash

Aidan O`Brien yesterday opened up the intriguing possibility of a clash between Statue Of Liberty and Hold That Tiger in Sunday`s Independent Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The Storm Cat colts, each unbeaten in two starts, head the ante-post market for next year`s 2,000 Guineas. Statue Of Liberty is as low as 12 to 1 with Paddy Power.

The Ballydoyle trainer nominated five colts as possible Phoenix runners and said up to four of them may run in the Group One contest for which declarations are made today.

They include the Guineas market leaders, and O`Brien said: 'Statue Of Liberty and Hold That Tiger could run and it`s possible both of them will run. We have sent some tests away and we will have to see how they come back.' O`Brien didn`t want to put a number on the two-year-olds who have fallen victim to the coughing that has swept through the Ballydoyle yard but confirmed Sunday`s contenders are working as normal.

They also include the Anglesey winner,Ontario, Marino Marini and Irrawaddy. Jockey arrangements have yet to be finalised.

Dermot Weld won the Phoenix, formerly known as the Heinz 57, with Smokey Lady (1979) and Kilijaro (1978) and is likely to be represented this time by the maiden Peratus.

On Saturday week, however, Weld and jockey Pat Smullen will be in Chicago for Jazz Beat`s attempt at the Grade One Secretariat Stakes in Arlington Park.

The Curragh trainer has also confirmed that Saranac Lake has run her last race in Ireland. The filly injured back muscles at Cork on Monday and when recovered, she will continue her career in the US with Bill Mott.

Kevin Prendergast had the last of his three Phoenix Stakes victories with Bradawn Breever in 1991 and his main hope this time is Declan McDonogh`s mount, Petite Histoire.

Prendergast may also run the Galway winner, Abunawwas, while Jim Bolger`s likely main hope is Luminata.

Also on the Curragh weekend card is the Group Two Royal Whip where the French Derby third, Simeon, from the Mark Johnston yard is a contender.

This evening`s action is at Kilbeggan where the in-form Plate-winning rider Keith Hadnett could continue his winning streak courtesy of Castlerueanna in the handicap chase.

Proven on testing conditions and put up just 8lb for a win at Downpatrick in May, Hadnett`s 5lb claim could swing things Castlerueanna`s way.

Quintus ran third to Town Gossip at Cork on Monday but looks to have a good chance in the handicap hurdle, where Ruby Walsh takes the ride on the Edward O`Grady runner.

The Cork bumper winner, Coolgarrow, should be more at home in the conditions than Mountain Star in the maiden hurdle.

Paul Carberry`s presence on the smart flat racer Monty Wolley in the opener is significant considering Noel Meade also runs the Galway third, Active Member.

Goffs announced the second best results in their history yesterday with the bloodstock auctioneers making after tax profits of€1,487,000.