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Phoenix Stakes Runner-by-Runner Guide: Gstaad leads the betting

irishracing.com news

irishracing.com news

Navan 17-May-2025Gstaad and Chris Hayes win from True Love for trainer Aidan O'Brien.Healy Racing
© Healy Racing Photos

The feature contest on Saturday, 9th August 2025, at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland is the Phoenix Stakes, and it is shaping up to be a thriller.

The Group 1 event is run over 6f and it may come as no surprise that Aidan O’Brien has dominated the race in recent times, winning it 17 times since 1998, and he looks set to do so again this year. Here's the runner-by-runner guide.

1. Do Bronxs

Jockey: Declan McDonagh

Trainer: David Loughnane

British raider won on debut at Ayr in May but was eight lengths behind the winner on his next outing in Listed grade at Newbury. It's admirable that connections are willing to have a crack at this contest, but he is likely to come up well short.

2. Gstaad

Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

The choice of Ryan Moore of the Ballydoyle three, Gstaad puts his unbeaten record on the line and is the worthy favourite. He beat the reopposing stablemate True Love on debut before bolting up in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and it will take a good performance to beat him.

3. Power Blue

Curragh 16-March-2025Power Blue and David Egan win for owners LNA Racing Syndicate and trainer Adrian Murray.Healy Racing
© Healy Racing Photos

Jockey: David Egan

Trainer: Adrian Murray

One of two running in the Amo Racing silks and undoubtedly their best chance despite being an outsider. Won around the Curragh over 5f on debut but it has been a mixed bag since. He was behind Gstaad in the Coventry and was no match for True Love in the Railway Stakes.

4. Puerto Rico

Jockey: Ronan Whelan

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

Outsider of the Ballydoyle three but respected nonetheless. The son of Wootten Bassett has yet to win in four starts, but he finished ahead of Power Blue when beaten five lengths behind True Love in the Railway Stakes in July. He will need to improve plenty to win this.

5. Green Sense

Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle

Trainer: Joseph O'Brien

Debut winner over course and distance in April before chasing home Lady Iman in a Naas Group 3. She flopped in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot but got back to winning ways in a French Group 2 last month. More is needed to be a contedner here

6. True Love

Jockey: Wayne Lordan

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

Was caught late by Gstaad at Navan in May but her form has taken off since then, winning the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot before bolting up in the Railway Stakes over course and distance last month. She has to be taken very seriously and could win this contest.

4.006f. 5 Declared.
Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) of €350,000.00 2-y-o