The Group 1 Phoenix Stakes has birthed some superstars in recent years, being the first top level race of the year for the two-year-olds in their debut seasons. Supreme juveniles Air Force Blue and Little Big Bear have claimed it in the last decade, with the likes of George Washington also successful in the past. Six attempt to etch their names into the roll of honour, and Joe Napier previews the race.
Up against some of the biggest stables and connections, Bucanero Fuerte scored in great style a year ago for Amo Racing.
WHISTLEJACKET
(Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore)
A horse whose pedigree could not be any better for this contest, Whistlejacket is a full brother to 2022 winner Little Big Bear. Not only is he therefore following in familial hoofprints, but those hoofprints were created in the most straddling fashion – his brother won by seven lengths two years ago.
There is strong form in his book too, winning a Listed race as a maiden on just his second start, while he was drawn on the wrong side of the track when fourth at Royal Ascot. He swiftly made amends when a comfortable winner of the July Stakes at Newmarket. He may have to learn to take a lead here having made all for ihs two wins, but it would be a surprise if he were not adaptable, and he looks a worthy favourite.
BABOUCHE
(Ger Lyons/Colin Keane)
Ger Lyons won this with the Juddmonte-owned Siskin in 2019, who was a very high class juvenile. Babouche might well prove of a similar mould, having won her two starts to date, the first of which was a five-length rout on debut.
She authoritatively defeated Ballydoyle’s Camille Pissarro in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes over half–a-furlong further. While that rival may not have boasted a reputation as tall as Whistlejacket’s, he would be among the top juveniles for Aidan O’Brien this term, and Babouche looked to see him off with something left in the tank. She will have to race less awkwardly though and she only asserted in the last half furlong, which she will not race over here.
HEAVENS GATE
(Aidan O’Brien/Wayne Lordan)
The richest horse in the race after taking home a substantial pot at Naas on Monday, Heavens Gate is proving a dream to train, consistently going about her business with the minimum of fuss. She has two wins from five starts, placing in the other three, including a pair of Group contests at Royal Ascot and Newmarket’s July Meeting.
She is a front-runner, and will likely be in here to set the gallop for Whistlejacket. However, that might not mean that she simply hares off in front, as she would have a decent chance of picking up the pieces if the favourite falters. The last three renewals have been won by horses who led or raced in second throughout, so she could go a long way towards an upset should she have fully recovered from Monday’s exertions.
ITV Racing Tips – Three Haydock Selections Live on Saturday
The ITV Racing cameras may have their main focus on Ascot for the Shergar Cup, but three races will also be broadcast live from Haydock, which is where Joe Napier looks for some best bets. 2.25 Haydock – Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap Three-year-olds have claimed the last four renewals of this contest, hence the…
Thu 08 Aug 2024THE FIELD
Adrian Murray and Amo Racing will seek to go back-to-back in this contest courtesy of Arizona Blaze. Prior to his last run, he would have been a contender on form, even finishing ahead of Whistlejacket when racing alone in the Norfolk Stakes, but he came up comfortably short in a Group 2 over course and distance last time and this is stronger.
Richard Fahey is the only British trainer represented; Shadow Army is bred to be speedy, and redeemed a poor effort at the royal meeting when a close runner-up in the Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly. That was a Group 2, but he may prefer a slight bit of cut to be at his best on that evidence.
Last of the sextet is Rudi’s Apple for Joseph O’Brien. He has drifted to be a big outsider, but despite being winless in his first three starts, he made light of an opening handicap mark of 90 on his nursery debut over track and trip last time out. He could sneak into contention with conditions to suit.
VERDICT
This race revolves around WHISTLEJACKET, whose destiny is to win this race on breeding, and he looks easily the most solid to come out on top. His commanding win in a Group 2 at Newmarket last time suggested more was to come, as there was from his full brother Little Big Bear when he claimed this in sparkling fashion two years ago. His stablemate Heavens Gate should set this up well, but may also hang around long enough herself with Babouche perhaps needing slightly further before hitting top gear. Rudi’s Apple’s form stacked up well even before he won on his nursery debut, and he may also be involved for the minor honours.
- Whistlejacket
- Heavens Gate
- Rudi’s Apple
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