The first of 13 Group 1 races in Europe, the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, was dominated by Aidan O'Brien in the 2000s and 2010s, 14 of his 17 wins in the race coming during that period. Surprisingly there has been only one win in the race since 2017, that coming in 2022 courtesy of the now retired Little Big Bear.
With favourite for the race this year, Unquestionable, second to his main market rival Bucanero Fuerte in the Group 2 Railway Stakes on his previous start, and His Majesty third in the Railway, hopes would have been high for an 18th win.
Things didn't go according to plan for Unquestionable who banged his head in the stalls and lost a shoe, he travelled well close to the pace set by Bucanero Fuerte but failed to quicken and wasn't given a hard time by Ryan Moore, eventually finishing fourth, with His Majesty, who never landed a blow, in sixth. There will be other days for Unquestionable, but this race was dominated by the all the way winner Bucanero Fuerte.
He led throughout and ran on strongly inside the final furlong to win by four lengths from the previously unbeaten filly Porta Fortuna who kept on well but was no match for the winner. This was a landmark win for Bucanero Fuerte's owners Amo Racing Ltd, their first Group 1 as it was for trainer Adrian Murray and a second at the highest level for their retained jockey Kevin Stott.
The Middle Park Stakes at the end of September and the Dewhurst Stakes in October both run at Newmarket, two of the UK's five Group 1 races for two-year-olds, are likely to be on Bucanero Fuerte's agenda. A return to fillies only company for another of the UK Group 1's the Cheveley Park Stakes also at Newmarket at the end of September will be ideal for Porta Fortuna.
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.
