RONAN GROOME: Lyons filly can put it right up to favourite in Phoenix Stakes

If you were to use a race to illustrate the dominance of Aidan O’Brien, the Phoenix Stakes would have to be right up there. The Ballydoyle chief has won this 6f contest, the first juvenile Group 1 of the European season, no less than 17 times and you have to go all the way back to 1998 to get to his first success.

Whistlejacket has been given the number one billing this Saturday but if he were to win, he’d actually only be giving O’Brien his second success here in seven renewals. That gives the chasing pack plenty of hope and you feel Ger Lyons doesn’t lack for any belief in his unbeaten filly Babouche, who looks set to be the main opposition to Ballydoyle first string and will receive 3lbs from him.

We could be set fair for a right old match-up here, but there has also been an eyecatching move for the Ballydoyle second string Heavens Gate this morning, which adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Arizona Blaze: Five starts already having won the first maiden of the season on heavy ground here in March. Found Whistlejacket much too hot in Listed First Flier on second start but improved for step up to 6f when a head too good for Camille Pissarro in Group 2 Marble Hill and reversed form with Whistlejacket when a place ahead of him Norfolk (third to Shareholder). Limitations again exposed latest when well held by Henri Matisse in Group 2 Railway latest. His experience may count here but suspicion he lacks the class and progression of his shorter priced rivals.

Rudi’s Apple: Winless from first three starts but very respectable sixth in Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot on second run before finding only Black Forza too good in Fairyhouse maiden – that form significantly franked by Michael O’Callaghan’s colt at Goodwood since. That makes more sense of his impressive win off 90 in opening nursery of the season at the Curragh. Going in the right direction but this is a big step up.

Shadow Army: Wathnan purchase after he overcame plenty of problems to win first time out in useful York novice stakes but a little disappointing when sent off favourite for Windsor Castle, well held 13th and behind two of his rivals today. Better when only ¾l off Arabie in Group 2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly latest but much more needed now.

Whistlejacket: Full brother to Little Big Bear who was so impressive in this contest two seasons ago. Off the mark at the second time of asking with an impressive show in listed race at Cork, comfortably dispatching Arizona Blaze late on. Notably very strong in the market for the Norfolk (10/11 favourite) but no real excuses in fourth, behind Arizona Blaze. Much more like it in July Stakes with positive ride and strong finish over the 6f – despite drifting markedly to his left late on. Scope to improve for that alone and Ryan Moore confident there is more in the tank.

Babouche: Hugely impressive first time up when strong in the market at Cork, racing mostly on her own on the far side when posting 5l win, impressing with late sectionals. Not as visually impressive for Group 3 Anglesey win but probably value for the winning margin over Camille Pissarro given the way the race panned out – that colt’s stablemate blazed a trail in front while he was able to sit in behind and Babouche raced closer to the pace than ideal. Ger Lyons has taken the Siskin route with her (that colt won this  in 2019), and despite no win for a filly here since 2011, the likes of Porta Fortuna, So Perfect and Actress have all finished second from a small group of contestants.

Heavens Gate: That last stat also applies to this filly, the Ballydoyle second string who likely convinced O’Brien and Co to have go in this after a strong show to take Ballyhane Stakes on Monday, her fifth start. Previously third in Group 3 Albany and Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge both solid efforts and she looks to be gradually progressing.

Conclusion:

Whistlejacket bids to emulate his brother Little Big Bear with a win here and was impressive last time at Newmarket, showing a clear sign he could be about to live up to seemingly high expectations for him. However, he has been beaten twice already and the money for his stablemate Heavens Gate since declarations isn’t exactly a positive early signal. Babouche also has a lot of belief behind her and Ger Lyons has taken the Siskin route with her, more than happy to avoid Royal Ascot with this race always the plan. She was better than the bare result of her Anglesey win and can put it up to the odds-on favourite.