Aidan O’Brien’s Whistlejacket is set to compete in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at Curragh on Saturday. The chestnut colt by No Nay Never, a full-brother to Little Big Bear, started the season with a Listed victory in the First Flier after a runner-up finish on debut.
He was fourth in the five-furlong Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot but bounced back to win the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket last month, showing a strong performance over six furlongs. This form was further validated when Aomori City, who finished third behind him, went on to win the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Whistlejacket is expected to represent Ballydoyle in the Phoenix Stakes, with O’Brien choosing him over stablemate Fairy Godmother. “Whistlejacket is on track for the Phoenix Stakes,” O’Brien confirmed. “Everything is going well with him, and that’s been the plan all along.”
Regarding Kyprios, the Goodwood Cup winner is set to aim for the Irish St Leger, where he will attempt to reclaim the title he won in 2022 and narrowly missed last year. “Kyprios is in good shape. The Irish St Leger is likely his next target, and we want to keep him in good condition for the rest of the year and beyond,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien also noted the rarity and difficulty of managing top-class Gold Cup horses, praising Kyprios for his surprising performances last year.