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Whirl's Odds Raise Eyebrows Ahead of Nassau Stakes

Curragh 28-6-25 Whirl and Ryan Moore win the Pretty Polly (Group 1) for trainer Aidan O'Brien(Healy Racing)
© Healy Racing Photos

Racing experts have expressed “surprise” at Whirl s early odds of 11/8 for the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood on Thursday.

The Pretty Polly Stakes winner is the favourite for the race, where she will go up against 2024 Chesham Stakes winner and stablemate Bedtime Story

Whirl got the better of top-class filly Kalpana at the Curragh last month, who went on to put in a strong display in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday, finishing second behind Calandagan.

Whirl A Star In The Making

Speaking on irishracing.com’s Irish Angle podcast this week, Emma Nagle explained that Whirl could be a “star”.

“I'm surprised. Whirl’s around 11/8 for that. I thought she'd be a bit shorter, to be honest.

“I thought she looked like she could be a bit of a star this year. I know she was beaten at Epsom in the Oaks, but I thought it was a huge performance at the Curragh last time.

“I thought it was a really, really well-won Group 1, and we could possibly see Arc winners coming out of it. Be it herself or be it Kalpana, who you'd imagine is heading that direction as well.

“It looks a cracker.”

'Made Her Look Second Rate Almost'

Epsom 6-June-2025 The Betfred Oaks (Group 1)Minnie Hauk and Ryan Moore (purple) win for owners Coolmore and trainer Aidan O'Brien from Whirl.Healy Racing
© Healy Racing Photos

Following her close second in the Epsom Oaks behind stable companion Minnie Hauk, Whirl surprised a few with her performance in the Pretty Polly Stakes.

“I definitely thought Kalpana was an odds-on shot to beat an Oaks runner-up, given her form,” Johnny Ward added.

“I thought she looked to have everything in her favour, but the last furlong or so, she just made her look second-rate almost. It was a fascinating race to watch.

“I'm with Emma, I thought she'd be shorter here. You look at this race and you're like, ‘how is this race not far more attractive to people than a handicap hurdle or even a good hurdle or good chase?’

“This race is class, class flat racing with really, really top-class Irish protagonists.”

3.051m. 1f. 197yds. 5 Declared.
Qatar Nassau Stakes (Fillies' And Mares' Group 1) (Class 1 ) of £600,000.00 3-y-o plus

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About Connor Whitley
Connor Whitley is an experienced sports journalist who has written for the English FA, Manchester Evening News, Football Insider and contributed horse racing content to The Telegraph. He moved to Irish Racing in March 2025.