Hellvelyn Considered For HQ Test

Hellvelyn, who lost his unbeaten record in Ireland on Sunday, could bid for compensation in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket next month.

Bryan Smart's youngster went into the Phoenix Stakes on the back of three straight wins, including the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but found Aidan O'Brien's Holy Roman Emperor one and three-quarter lengths too good in the Curragh feature.

'I thought it was a good performance,' Smart said. 'He lost nothing in defeat.

'One thing I was very pleased about was the way the horse stayed on. He went past us very quickly and we came back at him.

'Obviously the winner is very good but I've still got a lot to look forward to with my horse.

'I've got a big, scopey, quality horse who looks like being a nice three-year-old.

'Obviously you are disappointed when your unbeaten record has gone but we are not suicidal as we've still got a lovely horse.

'He's got plenty of speed and if anything I thought he was a bit fresh, a bit keen early on.

'He's run a great race. It's the first time he's travelled overseas and he's taken it well, which is another plus.

'I'm very pleased with the horse. He's won his maiden, his conditions race and a Group Two and he's finished second in a Group One, so you don't want to be too disappointed.

'He'll probably be aimed at the Middle Park and then we'll just see.'

Hellvelyn is a 20-1 chance with the sponsors for the Stan James 2000 Guineas on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket next spring.

? PA Sport