Phoenix Stakes preview: Runners, odds, trends and a big race verdict

We have another busy Saturday on our hands and Ireland provides the Group 1 action in the form of the Phoenix Stakes. A Group 1 over 6f for two-year-olds, the Curragh’s feature race has attracted a field of six. We’ve assessed the chances of the six runners, picked out some key trends and landed on a verdict for the big race. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Runners and odds

1.Arizona Blaze

Already a Group 3 winner but he would appear to have something to find with Whistlejacket on the form of the latter’s facile Listed success here.

2.Rudi’s Apple

Second to Black Forza on his penultimate start and was then an easy winner of a nursery on handicap debut. It would be a surprise if he’s ready for this challenge.

3.Shadow Army

Difficult to rule out on the evidence of his close up second in the Prix Robert Papin but others appeal more.

4.Whistlejacket

Aidan O’Brien’s main hope was an impressive scorer at Newmarket when last seen and looks well up to winning at Group 1 level.

5.Babouche

She was an impressive winner on debut and followed that up with a game Group 3 success. Ger Lyons’ filly is entitled to be in the mix.

6.Heavens Gate

This filly won a valuable race at Naas on Monday and has some decent Group form to her name. It’s possible that this race will have come too soon.

Trends

Aidan O’Brien has won five of the last 10 renewals and also holds the record, having won the race 17 times since 1998. He runs two this year and Whistlejacket looks the more likely winner out of the O’Brien-trained pair.

Fillies are eligible for the race but none of the last 10 winners have been fillies. This stat suggests it would take a monumental effort for Heavens Gate and Babouche to come out on top.

Only three of the last 10 winners have been favourites so there could be some value to be found, although the 2024 favourite should prove hard to beat.

Verdict

Whistlejacket was a bit disappointing when well fancied for the Norfolk Stakes but he made no mistake in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket when last seen. He was very impressive that day and a similar performance is likely to result in an easy victory.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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