Middleham Park Racing's G2 Prix Robert Papin winner Ventura Tormenta (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) was one of four supplementary entries on Tuesday to Sunday's G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. at The Curragh. He was joined, as expected, by G3 Molecomb S. winner Steel Bull (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) as well as the G2 Airlie Stud S. winner Aloha Star (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and the Aidan O'Brien-trained winner Giorgio Vasari (Ire) (Air Force Blue).
Ventura Tormenta will be re-opposing The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}), who he beat by a head in the Papin. The Lir Jet finished ahead of Ventura Tormenta when winning the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot.
“Middleham Park were keen to take the race on because the Morny was already looking over-subscribed,” said Ventura Tormenta's trainer Richard Hannon. “I think this was a good opportunity for the horse to have a crack at a Group 1. He has come back from France well and has never looked better. He has put on weight and the whole experience of France will have done his confidence a lot of good. I think the track at The Curragh will suit him and he is a very straightforward horse. I think he is joint top-rated going into the race and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do. He will be renewing his rivalry with The Lir Jet, which will be a challenge, while there will be some other nice horses in there, which you expect at this level.”
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