MULVANY EYES NATIONAL STAKES WITH NAILS

Michael Mulvany is ready to step Tough As Nails up in distance after another admirable performance in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Since winning his maiden at Tipperary in April, the juvenile has chased home Power in a Curragh Listed race, finished second in the Railway Stakes and third in last weekend's Group One contest.

Mulvany is understandably proud of his star performer and he is now likely to tackle seven furlongs for the first time in the Goffs National Stakes, back at the Curragh on September 10.

"He's a good, steady horse and you couldn't be disappointed with him," said the County Meath handler.

"It was probably the best race for two-year-olds in Europe so far this year and I don't think he let himself down.

"We have him entered in the National Stakes and after that we might think about the Middle Park at Newmarket.

"I would be a little worried about whether he'd get seven furlongs at the Curragh, but he was staying on all the way to the line last time, so I'd be hopeful.

"He's a horse you could switch off a bit more than we have, so I'd say we'll ride him totally different next time and we can always then come back to six furlongs for the Middle Park.

"There's still plenty of time to beat these good horses."

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