This weekend’s big Group 1 contest takes place in Ireland as the Curragh hosts the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. First run back in 1902 at the sadly defunct Phoenix Park, this 6f contest for the juveniles has taken place at its current home since 2002.
Boasting future Classic winners, Breeders’ Cup heroes, and Royal Ascot stars on an illustrious roll of honour, the €300,000 contest falls firmly into the must-watch category. That description certainly applies in 2025, with the final six-runner field including two horses who blew their rivals away at the Royal meeting in back June. It’s Gstaad vs True Love, Round Two, in a compelling battle of the sexes.
Gstaad Too Good Once Again?
Sired by Golden Jubilee Stakes and July Cup winner Starspangledbanner, and a half-brother to Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes champ Vandeek, Gstaad is bred to excel over sprint trips. In two starts to date, the good-looking bay has delivered on that pedigree potential and looks like a real class act.
While many Aidan O’Brien runners need the run on debut, that wasn’t the case for Gstaad, who stormed home late to claim a Maiden event at Navan. Wasting no time stepping up in class, the colt was thrown into the Group 2 waters of the Coventry Stakes for his second assignment. Sent off as the 7/2 favourite, he was well fancied to go well, but surpassed expectations when powering up the centre of the track to win by a widening three lengths.
Ryan Moore must have liked what he felt in the saddle that day, as he opts to ride Gstaad, despite the compelling claims of stablemate True Love.
True Love’s Revenge?
Also speedily bred, True Love is sired by Norfolk Stakes and Prix Morny winner No Nay Never. Her full sister Truly Enchanting landed a Group 2 contest over the Phoenix Stakes course and distance in 2024. However, she took a little longer to find her way to the winners’ enclosure than Gstaad.
Run down by the extremely talented Lady Iman first time out at the Curragh, she was then the horse to finish a close second to Gstaad at Navan. Despite that zero-from-two record, punters kept the faith when she made the trip to Ascot for the Queen Mary Stakes. Pitched in against her own sex, she made rapid strides inside the final furlong to master her 22 rivals with something to spare.
Kept to Group 2 company in the Railway Stakes over the same track and trip she faces this weekend, she slammed her three rivals by five lengths. In doing so, she became the first filly in 31 years to claim that 6f event.
Clearly improving with racing, that latest success takes her to a mark of 115 – 1lb clear of Gstaad. When factoring in her 3lb fillies’ allowance, she’s officially 4lb clear of her stablemate on ratings. However, Moore’s decision and the duo’s clash at Navan are weighing heavily on punters’ minds. With the big race looming, Gstaad is the clear favourite at a general price of 8/11, with True Love available to back at 13/8 – odds some will feel offer decent value.
An 18th Win for O’Brien?
Pick any British or Irish Group 1 race at random, and there’s a fair chance Aidan O’Brien will feature towards the top of the all-time trainers’ table. However, even by his lofty standards, his Phoenix Stakes record verges on the incredible.
First successful with Lavery in 1998, the master of Ballydoyle now has 17 wins to his name. That is a staggering number in the timeframe in question. Previous stars to claim the prize for the Coolmore-backed operation include Breeders’ Cup Juvenile star Johannesburg, Classic heroes George Washington and Mastercraftsman, and sprint sensation Caravaggio.
Barring a huge improvement in form from Green Sense, Power Blue, Puerto Rico or Do Bronxs, Gstaad or True Love will add their name to that illustrious list this weekend. But which horse will it be? Can True Love put her weight advantage to good use, or will Gstaad confirm his superstar status? Set your reminders for 4pm on Saturday – it should be a classic.