Caravaggio (Scat Daddy), arguably the most exciting juvenile seen so far this year in Ireland and Britain is likely to have his next start in the G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. at The Curragh Aug 7. Aidan O'Brien has won the race seven times in the last ten years and according to Coolmore's UK representative Kevin Buckley the son of the ill-fated Scat Daddy (Johannesburg) is the most likely Ballydoyle first string for the six furlong contest. “I would imagine that the Phoenix Stakes is the obvious target, although no plans have been finalised,” said Buckley. “Whereas [Listed Chesham S. winner] Churchill (Ire) will ultimately be stepped up in trip, being a Galileo, as for Caravaggio, he is a speed machine.”
Unbeaten in three starts, Caravaggio was the subject of glowing reports from Ryan Moore following his impressive display in the G2 Coventry S. at Royal Ascot where he beat subsequent G2 July S. winner Mehmas (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) by just over two lengths. He broke his maiden on the Polytrack at Dundalk in April and his two subsequent turf runs have been on soft ground so given his pedigree it will be interesting to see if he improves even further when racing on a sound surface.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
