Hi all,
It’s Shergar Cup Day at Ascot, with ITV Racing showing all six races. But rather than wade through those races, I’m taking a different route — looking at two contests from the Curragh, including the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.
Curragh
4:00 – Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) – 6f
Not on ITV, but a fascinating renewal despite just six runners. On ratings, it’s between Aidan O’Brien’s pair Gastaad and True Love. Ryan Moore has sided with Coventry Stakes (Group 2) winner Gastaad, which speaks volumes.
That said, True Love like her stablemate is an improver. She’s won the Queen Mary (Group 2) at Royal Ascot and the Railway Stakes (Group 2) over C&D three weeks ago. She shapes like a genuine Group 1 filly. Respect Ryan’s pick, but of the pair, True Love might be the value.
Stop Press: Gastaad is an unlikely runner which takes plenty of gloss off this year's Phoenix Stakes.
4:35 – Sprint Handicap – 5f
Keke is a three-time course winner and landed a better race over C&D two starts back. Things went wrong at Cork last time. He stumbled at the start and didn’t get a clear run 1f out — so you can forgive the run. Back at his favourite track, he’s the one to beat.
The Highway Rat was a length third to Keke in the Rockingham Handicap and ran with credit in a Group 2 over C&D last time. He’s not the most consistent but is 7lb better off with Keke and dangerous if on song.
Kendall Roy returned from a 10-month absence with a promising 2 ¼ length 6th of 12 at Cork (Keke, 7th) 15 days ago. A four-time winner last year, including over C&D. He should strip fitter for his Cork run and could prove to be the main threat to Keke.
I’ll be back to look back on Monday to look back at the weekend’s highlights.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John