Aiden O'Brien’s Whistlejacket Set for Group One Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, while Kyprios Aims to Reclaim Irish St Leger Title Following Goodwood Cup Triumph.
Aiden O'Brien's Whistlejacket is gearing up for Group One competition in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.
This chestnut colt, a son of No Nay Never and full-brother to Little Big Bear, secured a Listed victory in the First Flier earlier in the season after finishing second on his debut.
At Royal Ascot, he placed fourth in the five-furlong Norfolk Stakes with a late surge but clinched victory in the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket last month, benefiting from the shift to six furlongs.
That achievement was further validated at Goodwood, where the third-placed Aomori City triumphed in the Vintage Stakes.
Whistlejacket's next assignment is the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, where he will represent Ballydoyle, favored over stablemate Fairy Godmother.
'Whistlejacket will run there; that's the plan. Everything is good with him and that’s always been the plan for him,' O'Brien said.
'He's a very straightforward horse. It just didn't click at Ascot; when he was getting going, the race was just finished.'
In addition, O'Brien gave an update on Kyprios, the impressive winner of the Goodwood Cup, who is aiming to reclaim the Irish St Leger title he won in 2022. Kyprios narrowly missed out last year after nearly a year away from the track, finishing just three-quarters of a length behind.
'He's very good. It's six weeks to the Curragh, so that's probably where we'll go,' O'Brien said.
'We just want to keep him safe, get through the rest of the year, and get to next year with him.'
On the possibility of the Irish Leger being Kyprios' final race of the season, O'Brien added: 'It could be, I'd imagine. He could go to Arc weekend, but that's the current plan. We'll take it one step at a time.'
When asked if he might consider the Arc for Kyprios, O'Brien stated: 'I suppose it will depend on what else is there. Right now, the focus is on getting him through the winter to ensure he’s ready for next year.'
'These Gold Cup horses are exceptionally rare and unique, and they're very hard to come by. We've had many outstanding horses, but when they surpass the two-mile mark, it's a whole different challenge,' he explained.
'Kyprios surprised me immensely last year, and I believe his performances were his best yet, especially in his two races last season.'
Meanwhile, Derby and Eclipse winner City Of Troy continues to be on target for the Juddmonte International at York's Ebor meeting, with O'Brien confirming: 'Everything is going well for now, and that's our goal.'
