Sudirman (centre) sees off the challenge of Big Time (right) and War Command (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Sudirman beat Big Time by half a length in the Railway Stakes over the course and distance in June, and David Wachman trained colt did the same this afternoon, as he took the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes under Wayne Lordan.
The progressive son of Henrythenavigator was sent off the 4/1 second favourite, with the unbeaten War Command who won the Coventry Stakes in convincing fashion on his last start, going off the 2/5 market leader. Ambiance under Johnny Murtagh for Mick Channon, attempted to make all, as the winner settled in third.
Approaching the final furlong, Surdiman and Big Time, under Pat Smullen for John Murphy, competed for the lead, with the winner soon hitting the front, keeping on well from there to score by half a length.
Big Time (7/1) lost little in defeat as he ran another fine race to take second, while War Command, who was under pressure from two furlongs out, was half a length back in third for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien.
David Wachman said afterwards: "He is a good, tough horse. He won’t do too much when he gets there, as he idles in front.
"I’m delighted for Wayne. We have been waiting for a while for one like this. He is a nice horse and he likes quick ground.
"He will probably step up to seven furlongs now, he has been crying for seven.
"The National Stakes is a possibility but the ground is important to him. He did it well, he is tough and he keeps finding, and I think there is a good bit left in the tank."
The winning time of 1 minute, 9.35 seconds was a new course record for a 2yo over six furlongs, while it was the second fastest time ever at the Curragh over the distance
Boylesports have introduced the winner at 12/1 for next year's Guineas, while War Command has drifted from 6/1 to 10s for the same race.
Paddy Power have introduced Sudirman at 20/1 for Guineas, while War Command has also drifted with them, from 5/1 to 16s.
The place dividend on the first two home paid exceptionally well on the Tote, with Sudirman paying €15.20, while Big Time paid €15.10.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
