'Easy victory in the last competition' - examination and significant quotes for Group 1 Phoenix Stakes
Green Sense Bids to Follow in the Footsteps of Legendary Fillies in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes
Green Sense, a filly trained by Joseph O'Brien, is set to make history in the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. If successful, she would emulate Babouche from last year and become the first filly since La Collina in 2011 to win the prestigious sprint race.
O'Brien, who has been in the saddle for two of Ballydoyle's 17 victories in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, is confident that Green Sense can give her rivals plenty to do. The filly bounced back from her Royal Ascot disappointment on quick ground at Chantilly last time in the Prix Robert Papin, and is expected to be the biggest danger in the race.
However, Green Sense will face stiff competition from True Love, who entered the race in excellent form as a clear favourite. In her last race, True Love won the Group 2 Queen Mary at Ascot, showing an excellent attitude despite having to race on her own at a vital stage of the race. She followed up her win with a victory in the same grade in the Railway Stakes, becoming the first filly to land the race in 31 years.
True Love was narrowly beaten by Power Blue in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, with the latter reversing the form from their previous race. Power Blue, trained by Adrian Murray, showed impressive determination and resilience to secure the win, while True Love could not fend off Power Blue's challenge in the final furlong despite appearing to be the likely winner at one stage.
Gstaad and True Love, both trained by Aidan O'Brien, were set to compete in the race, but True Love was declared a non-runner on Saturday morning. Puerto Rico, who reopposes True Love in the race, finished fifth behind Gstaad in the Coventry.
The Group 1 Keenland Phoenix Stakes typically has a small field, with only two renewals since 2017 having eight or more runners. David Loughnane, the trainer of Do Bronxs, considers the race to be an ambitious shot in the dark, and does not have high expectations. Adrian Murray, the trainer of Power Blue, believes his horse is in good form and entitled to take his chance in the race.
Joseph O'Brien is hopeful that Green Sense can continue her impressive form and land the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. If she does, she will join the ranks of legendary fillies who have won the race in the past.
Sources:
- Racing Post
- Sky Sports Racing
- Irish Independent
Horse-racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, as Green Sense, a filly trained by Joseph O'Brien, aims to follow in the footsteps of legendary fillies in this prestigious sprint race. This event, often featuring a small field, has a rich history of producing outstanding equine athletes, such as racehorses from the past, including La Collina (2011 winner) and Babouche (last year's victor).
