Gstaad, victor of the Coventry Stakes, has pulled out of the coming contest against True Love in the Phoenix Stakes.
In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh has taken an unexpected twist with the withdrawal of Gstaad. The Irish colt, trained by Aidan O'Brien, was the clear favourite at 8/11 with bookmakers like Paddy Power, but due to a minor health issue, he will not be contesting the race.
As a result, the market has seen a significant shift in favour of True Love, who is now installed as the new market leader. True Love, also trained by Aidan O'Brien, has impressed recently with a win in the Group 2 Railway Stakes over course and distance last month and a victory in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot.
With Gstaad's absence, the Phoenix Stakes will now have only five runners. True Love, priced at 1/4 or 1/5 in different sources, is the undisputed favourite, while Power Blue, priced at 10/1, emerges as a prominent challenger at longer odds.
O'Brien stated that Gstaad was unlikely to contest the Phoenix Stakes due to his health issue. This withdrawal leaves a gap in the race, but the attention now turns to True Love and Power Blue, along with the other contenders, to battle it out for the coveted title.
Meanwhile, racing enthusiasts looking for tips for the day's races can find Harry Wilson's insights for every race on Shergar Cup day at Ascot. Wilson, who has tipped two 11-4 winners in his last column, offers valuable advice for the eight Saturday cards with eyecatching entries to note.
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As the dust settles on the Phoenix Stakes, the focus shifts to the remaining runners. With True Love as the form horse, the race promises to be an exciting spectacle. The question now is, can True Love maintain their form and secure a well-deserved victory, or will Power Blue or another contender rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.
Sports enthusiasts should note the shift in the Phoenix Stakes racecards, as True Love has become the new favourite following Gstaad's withdrawal due to health issues. With Gstaad's absence, True Love, who recently won the Group 2 Railway Stakes and the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, will vie for the coveted title alongside Power Blue and other contenders in the horse-racing event at the Curragh.
