O'Brien secretly observes the serene environment of Gstaad, preparing for an upcoming confrontation at the Phoenix event
Two of Aidan O'Brien's top juveniles, Gstaad and True Love, are set to face off again in the 2025 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. Both horses have had impressive performances this season and will be racing under the same trainer [2][3][5].
Head-to-head Record
Their first meeting was at Navan, where Gstaad emerged victorious despite some initial disorganization during the race. Gstaad then went on to win the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, a commanding performance that included beating other top juveniles but did not involve True Love directly. True Love, however, has clearly improved since their first meeting, making the rematch highly anticipated [3][5].
Ratings and Recent Performances
Gstaad holds an Official Rating of 114 ahead of the Phoenix Stakes. The colt, described as a big, scopey individual with potential for further improvement, impressed with a fast furlong section during his Coventry Stakes win. True Love, on the other hand, has developed since their first meeting and is considered a major challenger in the Phoenix. Gstaad is generally ranked above True Love in recent assessments, with Gstaad ranked #2 and True Love #5 by Racing Post [3][5].
Context
The Phoenix Stakes is one of the key Group 1 juvenile races, and this matchup continues O'Brien's record of training elite Group 1 winners. Ryan Moore has expressed confidence in Gstaad's abilities, committing to ride the colt, while True Love remains a credible threat. The rivalry builds on O'Brien’s historic success with juvenile Group 1 contenders and his ability to produce high-class sprinters and milers from his Ballydoyle stable [1][4].
Other Runners
Art Power, trained by Tim Easterby, returns to the Curragh on Saturday for the FBD Hotels And Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes. Aidan O'Brien also runs Puerto Rico in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, who was second to True Love in the Railway Stakes. Power Blue, trained by Adrian Murray, has finished fifth in the Coventry and third in the Railway Stakes this season. Adrian Murray's Bucanero Fuerte, winner of the Group One Phoenix Stakes on the card two years ago, is also in the race.
Richard Brown of owners Wathnan Racing states that Kind Of Blue, trained by James Fanshawe, is on a comeback trail. The horse won the Champions Sprint last season and is another strong challenger in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. Joseph O'Brien fields the main danger in Green Sense, winner of the Prix Robert Papin last time out. Do Bronxs, the final runner in the field, is owned by the same owners as Power Blue.
Green Sense is a potential threat in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, having won the Prix Robert Papin last time out. Gstaad and True Love's rematch, however, is the highlight of the juvenile racing calendar, with Gstaad leading their head-to-head so far but True Love having improved considerably [2][3][5].
In the upcoming 2025 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, Gstaad and True Love, both under the guidance of their trainer Aidan O'Brien, will engage in a thrilling horse-racing rematch. Gstaad, who has previously demonstrated his potential in prestigious races like the Coventry Stakes, faces a strong challenge from an improved True Love, who is eagerly anticipated to give a competitive performance.
