Gordon Elliott hoping Beckford can deliver him Group 1 glory in the National Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday
Beckford put in his best work late on over six furlongs behind Sioux Nation on his last start and he should cope with the step up in trip on Sunday
GORDON ELLIOTT reckons the step up in trip will suit Beckford as he goes for Group 1 glory in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
He was last seen finishing a close second to Sioux Nation in the Phoenix Stakes when he was putting in his best work at the end of the race.
"He's in good form and we're looking forward to running him," said the County Meath handler.
"It's a competitive race but he's in good order. We think the step up in trip will suit him."
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Aidan O'Brien is responsible for half of the eight runners, headed by Gustav Klimt, who got up in the dying strides to win the July Stakes at Newmarket.
O'Brien's other contenders - Rostropovich, Coat Of Arms and Berkeley Square - filled the first three places in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes over the course and distance three weeks ago.
Colm O'Donoghue is looking forward to continuing his association with Brother Bear and believes there is more to come from him after trainer Jessica Harrington and her team worked on getting the horse to run straighter.
"He progressed early in the season and ran a great race in the Coventry but for some reason at both Ascot and last time at the Curragh he hung left," said the jockey.
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- 1.50 Haydock - Dee Ex Bee: 'Drops in class and can bounce back'
- 2.05 Kempton - Midterm: 'Tons of ability and showed that last time'
- 2.25 Haydock - Tasleet: 'Conditions are right up his street and you can forget his last run'
- 2.45 Ascot - Birchwood: 'Back to his best at Goodwood last time and had strong claims'
- 3.00 Haydock - Holmeswood: 'Plenty of speed and goes on any ground'
- 3.15 Kempton - Commodity: 'Proven over this course and distance already'
- 3.35 Haydock - Ballet Concerto: 'This is his best trip and he has a huge chance'
- 3.55 Ascot - Cape Coast: 'On the up and this trip is ideal'
- 4.10 Haydock - Ravenous: 'Knocking on the door and put in a top effort last time'
"Mrs Harrington has been working on a few things with him and we're confident he won't do it again."
Jim Bolger's Verbal Dexterity takes on Beckford again after running him to a length in the Railway Stakes, while the Ger Lyons-trained Lethal Steps make up the eight-runner field.