Aidan O’Brien’s Zoffany lunged late to land the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh under a great and patient ride by Johnny Murtagh.
Richard Hannon’s Coventry Stakes winner Strong Suit was sent off the 4-9 favourite to defend his unbeaten record, with Zoffany a 3-1 shot having finished only sixth in the same Royal Ascot contest. All appeared to be going well for Strong Suit as he travelled strongly at the head of affairs for Richard Hughes for much of the contest, but he came under pressure from the one-furlong marker.
Zoffany was cut from 20s to 6/1 favourite for the 2011 2000 Guinneas after his narrow but comprehensive victory in the Gp 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. Coventry Stakes winner Strong Suit could only finish third and was eased to 8s from 6/1.
2000 Guineas ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)
6 Zoffany
8 Strong Suit
16 Glor Na Mara
16 Dunboyne Express
20 Zaidan
20 King Torus
20 Peter Martins
20 Libranno
25 Bar
