Keeneland Phoenix Stakes: runner-by-runner guide and tip

Six potential stars head will head to post for Saturday’s Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, with Aidan O’Brien’s heading the betting at a best-priced 4-5. 

With a non-runner, the Ballydoyle maestro is now solely represented by the impressive July Stakes as he seeks an incredible 18th success in the showpiece, and some star names are among his extensive list of winners. If you haven’t already, then it’s worth watching this Keeneland Phoenix Stakes montage (below) on Racing TV’s YouTube page. 

The ground, at the time of writing (Thursday morning), is good, good to firm in places, and the track are set to apply 4mm of irrigation, and maybe more ahead of Saturday, due to minimal rain forecast. 

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Trainer: Adrian Murray. Jockey: David Egan. Odds: 14-1.

Consistent performer who showed a good attitude to win the Group Three Marble Hill on his third start and probably found five furlongs on fast ground too sharp when a fast-finishing third (and one place ahead of Whistlejacket) in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

He was no match for that rival on his second outing but that was on soft ground, and I expect conditions blunted his speed there. Connections also said after his debut that there will be loads of improvement in him this season, and that he would prefer better ground for all that he does handle give underfoot. 

Although Adrian Murray’s charge was a shade disappointing in the Railway Stakes on his return to six furlongs when last seen, he did race alone out in front there, and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if connections changed tactics slightly here. 

His form prior to that entitles him to be in the mix here, but he probably needs to improve again to follow in footsteps of stablemate Bucanero Fuerte. 

Trainer: Joseph O'Brien. Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle. Odds: 22-1.

Created a big impression when getting off the mark at the fourth attempt in a Nursery Handicap (off a rating of 90) over course and distance last time out and, based upon the manner of his victory there, it’s no surprise connections are rolling the dice in this company. 

It’s also encouraging he’s taken a big step forward on each of his starts so far, and his second behind Black Forza at Fairyhouse in July was boosted when that rival landed the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood last week. 

This trip clearly suits Rudi’s Apple, and the ground won’t be an issue, but this is a big step up from handicap company, and it’s wise to think another good chunk of improvement is required to claim Group One glory. 

Trainer: Richard Fahey. Jockey: James Doyle. Odds: 14-1.

Overcame inexperience to land a valuable Novice Stakes at York on debut before disappointing (when sent off the well-backed favourite) in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot. 

Proved that below-par effort was just a blip when second in a French Group Two last time out, though, and he was unlucky not to finish closer there after suffering trouble in running. 

That outing was on good to soft, so he still needs to prove he handles fast ground (his debut win came on good ground) and connections now reach for cheekpieces, which is surely due to him not travelling that well when last seen plus he wasn’t the quickest away. 

On what we have seen so far, he will probably find a couple of rivals too strong here, despite the fact he clearly has plenty of ability. 

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Jockey: . Odds: 4-5.

500,000gns yearling who is a full brother to Phoenix Stakes winner Little Big Bear and is clear on official ratings here. 

Aidan O’Brien’s youngster failed to justify strong market support on debut but showcased his ability when defeating with ease in a Listed contest at this venue next time out. 

He wasn’t seen to best effect due to his track position in the Norfolk Stakes, although that performance was a shade disappointing overall. 

Maybe the fast ground was against him there as he’s shown a liking for cut in the ground, including when producing a career best in the July Stakes 30 days ago, and that victory makes him the one to beat. 

That form has also been franked, and Whistlejacket was well on top at the finish after making all, despite hanging left in the closing stages. 

He’s clearly held in the highest regard by Ballydoyle and while quicker conditions do pose a question mark still, he’s a worthy favourite. 

Trainer: Ger Lyons. Jockey: Colin Keane. Odds: 3-1.

Unbeaten filly who looks a high-class performer in the making based upon her two starts so far. 

The daughter of Kodiac stormed to victory on debut at Cork in June and although a couple of winners have emerged from that maiden, those that have contested a higher level since have struggled, so the form is questionable. 

However, Babouche was a class apart there and showed a good attitude, after travelling powerfully, to win the Anglesey Stakes last time out when defeating rivals who had produced a good level of form in Group company. 

She showed signs of greenness under pressure and the penny only started to drop in the closing stages, so while it is a slight concern she needed the extra half furlong last time out to put the race to bed, she will surely be more street-wise now.

That said, there is some stamina in her pedigree, and it may be that she’s suited by further in time plus she probably lacks the turn of foot that some of her rivals here possess.

Ger Lyons advised his filly has a brilliant temperament and believes she will cope with this step up in grade on just her third start. If she does, then it’s easy to see her being involved in the finish.

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Jockey: Wayne Lordan. Odds: 8-1.

Quickly developed into a smart performer and ran a fine race in defeat to finish third behind stablemate Fairy Godmother in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

This Churchill filly wasn’t quite good enough to claim Group Two glory at Newmarket next time out and didn’t need to improve to win the €300,000 Ballyhane Stakes five days ago. 

She likes to get on with things, so is probably here to act as a pacemaker for stablemate Whistlejacket, who appears to hold stronger credentials on paper. 

The return to quicker ground won’t hinder Heavens Gate who has proved a consistent performer so far, but it will be disappointing if one or two of her rivals aren’t capable of finishing ahead of her here based upon her performances so far.  

Not very original, I’m afraid, but WHISTLEJACKET should take all the beating here. 

He’s certainly bred to be smart and relished the return to six furlongs last time out having found five furlongs on fast ground against him at Royal Ascot. 

Good to firm ground does remain a small question mark, but it’s not as if he ran badly at Ascot, and conditions won’t be as quick at the Curragh on Saturday. 

He was much the best in the July Stakes last time out, despite hanging left in the closing stages, and Ryan Moore said afterwards there’s more to come from Whistlejacket.