Phoenix Stakes tips and runner-by-runner guide to Curragh 4.40 on Saturday

Just seven go to post in a hot contest.

Bucanero Fuerte and Unquestionable

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*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Porta Fortuna bids to make it four wins from four when tackling six rivals in a wide-open renewal of the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

The Donnacha O’Brien-trained Albany winner has progressed with every run but faces stiff competition in Saturday’s 16:40 from the first three home in the Railway Stakes over course and distance, Bucanero Fuerte, Unquestionable and His Majesty.

Jessica Harrington’s runner Givemethebeatboys is also a live contender after finishing just ¾l behind Bucanero Fuerte when fourth in the Coventry Stakes last time out. The Phoenix Stakes is the first Group 1 of the season for two-year-olds and the field is completed by outsiders Gaeneri and Launch.

The latest Phoenix Stakes odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.

Phoenix Stakes tips

Timeform: There wasn’t much between BUCANERO FUERTE and Unquestionable in the Railway Stakes over this C&D last month, and it should be close between them once again. Bucanero Fuerte displayed a willing attitude that day and, with further progress on the cards, he may again have the edge on Aidan O’Brien’s charge. Porta Fortuna is 3-3 following her success in the Albany at Royal Ascot and, also open to further improvement, she is likely to give the aforementioned colts plenty to think about.

Phoenix Stakes runners and riders

Bucanero Fuerte

Trainer: Adrian Murray Jockey: Kevin Stott Age: 2 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 1

Promising type. 2 wins from 3 runs this year. 10/3, won 9-runner Railway Stakes at this C&D (good to firm) 41 days ago by short head from Unquestionable. Remains open to progress and he’s a major player.

*****

Givemethebeatboys

Trainer: Mrs J. Harrington Jockey: Shane Foley Age: 2 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 2

Thrice-raced winner. C&D winner. 2 wins from 3 runs this year. 1¾ lengths fourth of 20 to River Tiber in Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good, 7/1) 53 days ago. More needed.

***

His Majesty

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Seamie Heffernan Age: 2 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 5

Useful colt. Course winner. Winner here in May. 42/10, creditable 4 lengths second of 5 to Ramatuelle in Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly (6f, good) 27 days ago. Ryan Moore prefers Unquestionable.

**

Unquestionable

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 2 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 3

Promising individual. C&D winner. Short-head second of 9 to Bucanero Fuerte in Railway Stakes (15/8) at this C&D (good to firm) 41 days ago. Leading claims.

****

Gaenari

Trainer: Diego Dias Jockey: G. M. Ryan Age: 2 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 4

Fairly useful filly. 1¾ lengths second of 10 to Graceful Thunder in listed race (72/10) at Deauville (5f, soft) 7 days ago, keeping on well. Back up in trip and probably biting off more than she can chew at this level.

***

Launch

Trainer: Adrian Murray Jockey: G. P. Halpin Age: 2 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 7

Fairly useful filly. Third of 4 in minor event at Naas (5f, soft, 3/1) 5 days ago. Bucanero Fuerte is clearly the stable first-string.

*

Porta Fortuna

Trainer: Donnacha Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Oisin Murphy Age: 2 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 6

Thrice-raced winner. Won 17-runner Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm, 5/1) 50 days ago by length from Matrika, pushed out. Has to enter calculations.

***

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