The Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes
The Curragh
Gstaad
Gstaad, a 2023 bay colt by Starspangledbanner out of Mosa Mine, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, has quickly stamped himself as one of Europe’s top juveniles. He made a strong impression on debut at Navan before announcing himself on the big stage with a dominant three-length victory in the Coventry Stakes (G2, Royal Ascot, June 17). Most recently, he finished second to Venetian Sun in the Prix Morny (G1, Deauville, August 24), confirming his status among the leading two-year-olds in Europe. Now unbeaten in all but the Prix Morny, Gstaad heads to the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1, 7f) at the Curragh on Irish Champions Festival, where connections are considering stepping him up in trip for the first time. Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “We had it in our head that he could go back to the National Stakes, that’s where he could go next. He’d have no problem with seven.” His blend of speed, size, and professionalism, combined with proven Group-race form, makes Gstaad one of the most exciting contenders for the National Stakes, where he will aim to continue his progression and establish himself as Ballydoyle’s leading two-year-old colt. The National Stakes is now the key focus for this promising juvenile.
Zavateri
A March 1, 2023 foaled chestnut colt by Without Parole out of Zeroua, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and ridden by Charles Bishop, has swiftly carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting juveniles in Britain. After an impressive debut win at Salisbury in June, he shocked observers with an 18/1 victory in the July Stakes (G2) at Newmarket, defeating the well-fancied Do Or Do Not. He confirmed that promise by overcoming a 3lb penalty to land the Vintage Stakes (G2) at Goodwood in a tight finish on July 29th. Now unbeaten in three starts, Zavateri has the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1) firmly on the radar. Connections are eyeing the Curragh contest as his first Group 1 assignment, confident that his blend of class, attitude, and proven form over 6–7 furlongs will translate to top-level success.
Saba Desert
A February 28, 2023 foaled Dubawi colt trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, is unbeaten in two starts and firmly on course for the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1). After a sharp debut win at Sandown, he followed up with an impressive victory in the Superlative Stakes (G2) at Newmarket on July 12, overcoming a stumble at the start to win by 1¼ lengths. A powerful late finisher with classic potential, he now heads to the Curragh as one of the leading juvenile colts in training. Entered in the Darley Dewhurst at Newmarket (G1)
Power Blue
A February 1, 2023 foaled bay colt by Space Blues out of Visions, is trained by Adrian Murray for Amo Racing Limited. He launched his season with a commanding soft-ground maiden win at the Curragh in March, followed by placings behind top juveniles in both Listed and Group 3 company. But he truly burst onto the scene with a surprise victory in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1) at the Curragh on August 9, defeating the favourite True Love by 1½ lengths in a notably fast time Now unbeaten in significant company, Power Blue is among the leading contenders for the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1) on Irish Champions Festival. With entries also in the Futurity Stakes and Champagne Stakes, his blend of improvement, speed, and Group-1 ability positions him as one of the standout juvenile colts of the season
