After the thrill of Glorious Goodwood, we calm down a little before the Ebor Festival in a couple of weeks time. Today, it’s Group One action over in Ireland with the Phoenix Stakes. The highly exciting Whistlejacket takes on the unbeaten Babouche, in a fascinating contest. Plus three races from the UK, to make it a regular four to follow.
Curragh
Running Up That Hill
4:35 – Phoenix Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Babouche @ 5/2 (General)
Despite Whisltejacket being a full brother to Little Big Bear who won this race two years ago, there still is chinks in the armour that can be exploited. Babouche is the one who can exploit those minor faults. She was a much better finisher than Camille Pissaro and should step up in trip in the very near future. In recent years, Aidan O’Brien has loosened his chokehold on the race and Ger Lyons can pounce with this exciting filly
Haydock
Shadwell Shining
3:00 – Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group Three) – Anmaat @ 15/8 (William Hill)
Despite being very, very lightly raced, Anmaat is a horse with fantastic ability. Owen Burrows seems to bring him out at particular moments of the season, including this race which he won in 2022. He was last seen winning a French Group One. In May 2023. He’s incredibly consistent, goes well fresh and has gone well on good-to-firm. Clearly the one to beat and the one to side with.
Good Chois
4:45 – Dick Hern Stakes (Listed) – Choisya @ 9/1 (General)
This Listed race has the potential to be the race of the day across the UK and Ireland. Some talented fillies take to the track, but only a couple of them go on firm ground. An it’s those horses to side with in a tight race like this.
Choisya hasn’t been seen since May at Goodwood, with that race producing a winner at Goodwood and a winner in Ireland in the months since. Her last win on turf was on good-to-soft but won on good-to-firm ground at Haydock in her only other win on turf in her career. Simon & Ed Crisford are again in decent form and her price seems overpriced.
Dora Milaje may be the outsider, but is one who relishes firm ground. She has made a great step up in class from class four handicaps to listed contests. She steps down in distance on her preferred ground, and may have been her excuse when finishing fourth in the Pomfet Stakes at Pontefract last month. Still a good each-way price considering she’s an outsider at 18/1 (William Hill).
Newmarket
Sweet Splash
3:40 – Sweet Solera Stakes (Group Three) – Lake Victoria @ 11/8 (William Hill)
Lake Victoria is one from one after edging her maiden win ahead of Red Letter. Since then Red Letter has followed up and franked the form, plus the fifth placed horse has too. With form on her side, plus good pedigree related to former O’Brien stable Bluegrass. She might not have the hopes of Ballydoyle to become a future star, but experience doesn’t count for nothing.
The very best of luck!
