Race favorite Gstaad may not face stablemate True Love in Saturday's Group 1 Phoenix Stakes, according to recent reports.
Gstaad's Withdrawal Opens Door for True Love in Keeneland Phoenix Stakes
Gstaad's confirmed absence from the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes has significantly shifted the odds, with stablemate True Love now leading as the strong favorite at 1-5 [1]. Gstaad, who was previously the odds-on favorite at 10-11, was withdrawn due to being off color after a workout, and trainer Aidan O'Brien has expressed concerns about risking the horse if not 100% fit [1][2][3][4].
True Love, a Ballydoyle juvenile, has more than made up for a poor start to the season with two recent wins, including a convincing victory in the Group 2 Railway Stakes over this course and distance [4]. With a higher official rating than Gstaad, True Love has been in excellent form and is now poised to potentially win the Phoenix Stakes [1][4].
However, True Love is not the only significant contender. Power Blue, who won the Phoenix Stakes last year, has emerged as a principal rival following his victory in the race, even managing to defeat True Love in a surprising outcome [5].
Aidan O'Brien has also expressed concern about True Love's ability to run a mile, despite her successful six-furlong race [3]. Nevertheless, True Love has already shown her ability to beat the boys and do so with disdain, suggesting she improves rapidly from race to race [6].
In the supporting card at the Curragh, Babouche aims to get her career back on track in the Group 3 FBD Hotels And Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes [2]. The last filly to plunder the Phoenix Stakes was Babouche herself, and she will face ten rivals in Sunday's Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville [7].
As the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on True Love as she looks to capitalize on Gstaad's absence and secure a well-deserved victory.
References:
[1] Racing Post - Gstaad withdrawn from Keeneland Phoenix Stakes
[2] Racing Post - Babouche to take on the boys in Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes
[3] Racing Post - O'Brien concerned about True Love's ability to run a mile
[4] Racing Post - True Love set for Keeneland Phoenix Stakes
[5] Racing Post - Power Blue wins Phoenix Stakes
[6] Racing Post - True Love improves rapidly from race to race
[7] Racing Post - Babouche to face ten rivals in Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest
The absence of Gstaad from the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes has paved the way for True Love, a Ballydoyle juvenile, to shine as the new favorite, with an improved official rating and two recent wins under her belt [1][4]. Despite concerns about True Love's ability to run a mile, she has already demonstrated a knack for beating the boys and has the potential to win the Phoenix Stakes [3]. Meanwhile, the supporting race card at the Curragh features horse-racing action with Babouche aiming to regain her form in the Group 3 FBD Hotels And Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes [2].
