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.
North Coast
North Coast, a 2023 chestnut colt by Starman out of La Australiana (by Australia), is trained by Joseph O’Brien for owner John C. Oxley. Progressive through the summer, he was second in the Listed Pat Smullen Stakes before making all to dominate the Japan Racing Association Tyros Stakes (G3, Leopardstown, July 24) under Dylan Browne McMonagle, reversing form with hot favourite Flushing Meadows. The plan now is the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1) on Irish Champions Festival at the Curragh—connections calling it “the obvious race” after his Tyros success—with longer-term thoughts of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. His front-running style, proven 7f stamina, and sharp improvement mark him as a major National Stakes player.
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).
Zavateri
Zavateri, a March 1, 2023 foaled chestnut colt by Without Parole out of Zeroua (Siyouni), is trained by Eve Johnson Houghton for Mick and Janice Mariscotti. Undefeated in three starts, he has looked smart stepping up through the juvenile ranks: debut win at Salisbury (6f), followed by Group 2 victories in the July Stakes (6f) and the Coral Vintage Stakes (7f) at Goodwood under penalty. With that strong form and proven stamina over seven furlongs, Zavateri is entered in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (G1, 7f) at the Curragh on September 14, 2025. Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has indicated National would be the natural step before targeting the Dewhurst Stakes in October, noting how well he’s progressed since Goodwood. At this stage, Zavateri looks one of the leading juveniles in Britain and Ireland, his blend of class, toughness, and seven-furlong form setting him up as a major National Stakes contender.
