3 minute read
Bucanero Fuerte gave trainer Adrian Murray and owners Amo Racing a first taste of top-level success as the son of Wootton Bassett produced a fabulous performance to land the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
It was billed as something of a rematch between Bucanero Fuerte and Unquestionable, who only found the former a short-head too good in the Railway Stakes last time.
However, it was the 9/4 chance Bucanero Fuerte, who would confirm his superiority as Unquestionable failed to fire as team Aidan O'Brien bid for a remarkable eighteenth victory in the Group 1 juvenile contest.
Ryan Moore's mount never looked to be travelling comfortably having been upset in the stalls whereas Bucanero Fuerte could be spotted going kindly towards the fore under Kevin Stott from some way out.
The Railway Stakes scorer displayed a potent turn of foot inside the two-furlong marker, and he soon quickened away from his rivals for an emphatic four-length success.
Group 3 Albany Stakes winner Porta Fortuna (7/2) had to relinquish her unbeaten record but kept on well to fill the runner-up spot, while Givemethebeatboys (10/1) finished back in third for Jessie Harrington and Shane Foley.
Murray, who was over the moon after enjoying his first Group 1 success, said: "He was very impressive. We had him here 10 days ago doing a piece of work and Robson [Aguiar] got off him and said to me 'this is the best horse I've ever ridden'. He was certainly correct on that one.
"He's a serious horse. That's three runs and three wins here, he's the horse of a lifetime.
"I'd say it'll be the National Stakes now and I don't think he'll have any problem stepping up to seven [furlongs].
"He would prefer an ease in the ground, but he has won on good ground. The ground today would be a bit easier than the last day. He was very impressive in his maiden here on heavy ground, but it's not an issue for him as he's won on quick ground as well.
"It's unbelievable and it's hard to explain it. Robson is a master at picking horses at the sales."
Kevin Stott was enjoying his first Group 1 victory since being appointed the retained rider for owners Amo Racing earlier this year.
Stott told Racing TV's Gary O'Brien: "I'm delighted for the whole team. It's AMO's [Racing] first Group 1 and I'm obviously just privileged to be in the position to ride these kinds of winners."
The horse was in great form, it didn't really go to plan as the lead horse didn't really jump off as we planned, and I had to ride my own race but he's very uncomplicated.
"I let him stretch from two-and-a-half out and was quite surprised nothing was coming to challenge me a furlong out. It was all about keeping momentum. We always thought he was nice from the first day he won here. He was a big baby back then and has only grown and strengthened and Adrian and Robson have gone a great job with him."
Paddy Power and Betfair made Bucanero Fuerte 12/1 from 16/1 for next season's QIPCO 2000 Guineas while Sky Bet were seemingly more impressed and made the AMO Racing-owned colt an 8/1 chance for Classic glory.