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We head to the Curragh for Group 1 action on Saturday, with the six-furlong Phoenix Stakes offering an opportunity for the leading juveniles to record a top-class success…
Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket is the short priced favourite (currently available at 10/11) and deserves to sit at the top of the market after a consistent campaign. Whilst the son of No Nay Never is not unbeaten, he improved considerably from a second in a Curragh maiden to take his first career success in the Listed First Flier Stakes at the same track, beating the re-opposing Arizona Blaze by a comfortable three-and-three-quarter lengths. It was no surprise to see the good-looking colt started favourite for the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and he duly delivered another strong performance in defeat, finishing fourth overall but ahead in the near-side group as the field split across the track. Notably relaxed in the paddock before all of his four runs, Whistlejacket returned to winning ways in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket in early July and continues to shape like a colt on the rise.
With a three pound fillies allowance, the unbeaten Babouche poses the biggest threat to the favourite and this will be her second run against the boys. An impressive five length winner of a fillies' maiden at Cork on debut, the Ger Lyons -trained daughter of Kodiac stamped her authority on the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes over course and distance in late July, recording a half-length victory over Camille Pissarro. The Juddmonte-owned and bred filly has demonstrated a level of professionalism throughout both runs and her adaptability in-running (led on debut, settled midfield in Group 3) could play to her advantage.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Heavens Gate will also benefit from a three pounds fillies allowance against the boys, and backs up quickly following an easy success in the Ballyhane Stakes at Naas over six furlongs last weekend. It's interesting that the Ballydoyle team have chosen to send her here rather than returning to the July course at Newmarket for the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes, having finished third over course and distance in the Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes – perhaps an indicator that their sole representative in the aforementioned Group 3, Lake Victoria, is deemed superior. Heavens Gate has plenty of ability and whilst the daughter of Churchill has suffered defeats this year, her placings behind Fairy Godmother and Arabian Dusk could be formlines to follow as the year unfolds.
Arizona Blaze will bid to repeat the exploits of Bucanero Fuerte, who won this race twelve months ago for trainer Adrian Murray, whilst Shadow Army is the sole British representative with first-time cheekpieces applied.
With the three pound fillies' allowance in mind, Babouche edges Whistlejacket as the winning selection. The impressive chestnut colt may be bred to be a juvenile sprinter (full brother to Little Big Bear), but visually he appears as a prospect for the future and could get caught for speed by Babouche's professionalism and versatility.
WIN - BABOUCHE