Written 3 months ago by Will O'Callaghan

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Jockey Declan McDonogh believes there could be more to come from Gordon Elliott’s exciting juvenile Beckford as he bids for Group 1 glory in Sunday’s Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The son of Bated Breath has not been seen since landing the Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh on Derby day last month, and the 37-year-old is excited about continuing the partnership.

“I sat on him last week at the Curragh on the Old Vic gallop and I’m really looking forward to Sunday” said McDonogh. “He’s physically improved and done very well since the Railway.”

The in-form jockey said of Sunday’s contest: “He’s done nothing wrong as an unbeaten colt in two starts but it’s a big step up, with Ballydoyle having plenty of good horses in it.”

He added: “He’s got a great chance though and I thought he was impressive in the Railway. He’s very straightforward, there are no chinks in him and he seems to go on any ground.”

Elliott was keen to stress the importance of the Meath rider in his burgeoning Flat operation, with McDonogh very much involved in the Group 2 winner’s training.

The jockey said: “I sit on him a couple of times a week. Sometimes Gordon brings him down to the Curragh or I can go to his place as well, so it works well.”

Image – INPHO/James Crombie

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