Beckford on collision course with Sioux Nation in Phoenix Stakes at Curragh

Beckford is likely to clash with Royal Ascot winner Sioux Nation in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday week.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, Beckford is unbeaten in two outings and was an impressive winner of the Railway Stakes last time out.

"Beckford worked nicely at Leopardstown last week and I'm very happy with him," said Elliott.

"This is another step up in class for him and it'll be a different story, but he's going nicely and I'm hoping he will represent us well."

The Group One contest has been dominated by Aidan O'Brien, who has won the race a remarkable 15 times, most recently with Caravaggio last year.

Sioux Nation, winner of the Norfolk Stakes, is likely to head up his team this year.

O'Brien said: "We have a lot of entries in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes and we'll see how everything is in the next week or so.

"But at the moment the lads would be thinking about Sioux Nation, Declarationofpeace and possibly Actress as the three we'd be looking at for the race."