[denphone]

Sudirman takes command in Phoenix

http://www.attheraces.info/article.a...=&sub=&day=Sun

There was a shock result to the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh as red-hot favourite War Command could finish only third behind David Wachman's Sudirman.

The Coventry Stakes hero was sent off the 2-5 favourite for the Group One contest, but with Mick Channon's Ambiance setting a fierce pace, it was clear a long way from home that he was in trouble and Joseph O'Brien was hard at work from well over a furlong out.

Sudirman, winner of the Railway Stakes over course and distance in late June, was a 4-1 shot in the hands of Wayne Lordan and moved sweetly throughout. Railway runner-up Big Time came to challenge his old rival in the closing stages, but just as he had done 43 days earlier, Sudirman held on by half a length.