Buratino camp seek fast ground Ground conditions will be key to future plans for Buratino following his defeat in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Mark Johnston's juvenile was sent off favourite for the Group One feature following victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but had to make do with minor honours in third place, with Coventry runner-up Air Force Blue showing significant improvement to run out an impressive winner. Johnston feels the ease in the ground at the Curragh was detrimental to Buratino's chances and he will go in search of faster conditions for the rest of the year. "He was in the right position in the first half of the race, and he pulled out more when asked, though not as much as the first and the second did. William (Buick) said it (the ground) was too sticky for him," Johnston said. "I think what I need to do is to go back home and look at Buratino's record, just to confirm that he does not like soft ground. Then we can take it a step further and look at plans for later in the season. "There is a possible dilemma, as you find yourself asking where do you find fast ground late in the year? Somebody suggested the Breeders' Cup, but that would mean stepping up to one mile. "We need to talk to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and his team about the fast ground options that are available, and we can then take it from there."
