Siskin holds on to win Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh

Siskin repelled a sustained challenge from Monarch of Egypt to win Friday’s Group 1 Phoenix Stakes for 2-year-olds at the Curragh in Ireland and remain undefeated after four starts.

Ridden by Colin Keane for trainer Ger Lyons, Siskin closed from fourth in a field of five to take the lead in the final furlong. Siskin, the odds-on choice at 10-11, and Monarch of Egypt (3-2) were side by side in deep stretch before Siskin prevailed by three-quarters of a length.

Royal Lytham finished third, followed by Mount Fuji and Think Big. Aidan O’Brien trains Monarch of Egypt, Royal Lytham, and Mount Fuji.

Siskin and Monarch of Egypt were first and second in the Group 3 2 Railway Stakes at six furlongs at the Curragh on June 29.

The $336,360 Phoenix Stakes at six furlongs on soft turf was Siskin’s third stakes win. Owned by Juddmonte Farms, Siskin, by First Defence, won his stakes debut in the minor Marble Hill at the Curragh in May.