Babouche put in a hugely stylish display when careering away by five lengths in a Cork maiden in June, and proved she is well equipped to get down and dirty when showing a tremendous attitude to fend off Camille Pissarro in the closing stages of the Anglesey Stakes (G3) at this track last month.
However, the Kodiac filly has a formidable contender to overcome in Whistlejacket if she is to preserve her unbeaten record in the Aug. 10 Phoenix Stakes (G1) at the Curragh.
Whistlejacket stormed 3 3/4 lengths clear of the reopposing Arizona Blaze on his second start at the Curragh over five furlongs on soft ground before finishing fourth in the Norfolk Stakes (G2).
He returned to winning ways when upped to six furlongs at Newmarket in the July Stakes (G2) last time, powering clear of Billboard Star despite hanging late on. The step up in trip seemed to bring about improvement and he looks potentially top class. It will take a big performance to beat him.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “Whistlejacket is in good form and we’re happy with him since Newmarket. He won nicely that day and everything has gone well with him since.”
Babouche still looked a shade green under pressure last time, which is understandable given it was her second start, so there could easily be more to come. It is not easy to split them but the market much prefers Whistlejacket, so the Ger Lyons-trained filly seems the value option.
“If she finishes in the first three we’ll be delighted,” Lyons said, “We can then decide whether we stay at the trip for the Cheveley Park or go to the Moyglare or something like that. I’ve always liked her, and if you like them you can’t be afraid to get beat. I’m happy with her. She has a great head and mind on her.”
A couple have definite claims of putting it up to the big two, most notably the Adrian Murray-trained Arizona Blaze. He is bidding to emulate stablemate Bucanero Fuerte , who landed last year’s race in emphatic style.
He’s been consistent in five starts, landing a group 3 over course and distance in May before finishing third in the Norfolk, a short head ahead of Whistlejacket. He was then beaten four lengths into third by Henri Matisse in the Railway Stakes (G2).
Heavens Gate is reappearing quickly after landing the lucrative Ballyhane Stakes at Naas Aug. 5. She showed an admirable attitude to beat Fiery Lucy by 1 1/4 lengths and seemed to enjoyed the ease in the ground. She is a strong stayer over this trip.
The Richard Fahey-trained Shadow Army represents the British challenge. He was a close second in group 2 company at Chantilly last month, but he will need a significant step forward to go one better here.
Rudi’s Apple earned a shot at this grade when landing a nursery over course and distance last month in authoritative fashion off a mark of 90. He is improving with each start and is no forlorn hope.
Leave feedback about this