Gordon Elliott could call up Beckford for National service
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Gordon Elliott is hoping to have another crack in Group One company with Beckford in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh next weekend.
The Bated Breath colt was Elliott's first two-year-old winner on the Flat and has proved himself to be a smart juvenile.
Beckford followed up that Curragh maiden win back at the Kildare track when beating Verbal Dexterity in the Railway Stakes, before finding only Sioux Nation too good in the Phoenix Stakes.
Elliott said: "Beckford is in good old form. He's in the National Stakes and will work early in the week.
"If he doesn't go there, he'll go to Newmarket for the Middle Park Stakes.
Beckford could also run in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket (PA)
"I'd say all being well he'll go to the Curragh, and the step up to seven (furlongs) will suit him. He's in good form and we're looking forward to running him.
"Once the ground wouldn't be rattling fast he'll be all right."
Verbal Dexterity could renew rivalry with Beckford in the Curragh Group One.
Trainer Jim Bolger also has the option of running Theobald, who was second to fellow National Stakes entry The Pentagon in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.
Bolger's pair are also likely to be in the Enterprise Stakes at Leopardstown 24 hours earlier.
He said: "Verbal Dexterity and Theobald will run next weekend, but the plan is to keep them apart.
"They are both in the National Stakes and Theobald will run wherever the best ground is."
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