Celeron (16:00 Curragh — Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, Group 1, 6f)
A two-year-old bay colt by Mohaather, trained by Muireann O’Callaghan and partnered by Oisin Murphy, who partnered him to his most impressive victory to date. Celeron has won two of his three starts, including the Group 2 Railway Stakes at this very course and distance on 18 July, winning by 3 lengths at 7/2 in a performance that turned heads. His only defeat came at Royal Ascot in the Windsor Castle where he finished 15th of 25 — a result the expert notes put down to the undulating track not suiting, and he bounced back emphatically next time.
He has a 100% record at this course and distance, Murphy knows him inside out, and the step up to Group 1 company is the only question — but O’Callaghan clearly believes he’s ready and the Railway form entitles him to take his chance.
Sun Goddess at 5/4 for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore is the chief danger — she also has a 100% course and distance record and was only beaten at Royal Ascot — but at 9/4 there is value in siding with the Railway Stakes winner who has course form that is impossible to ignore.
Verdict: Back to win at 9/4 — Group 2 winner at course and distance, Murphy retained, and the step up to Group 1 holds no fears. 🏇
