Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1)

Bucanero Fuerte: Won the very first race of the Irish flat season back in March and since developed into top class colt, finishing third in Coventry off 84-day gap, before winning Group 2 Railway 12 days later. Powerful performance to run out four-length winner of the Phoenix Stakes, and while favourite Unquestionable disappointed, it’s highly debatable that he’d have been able keep tabs with him on a going day. Connections strongly feel he will be better at seven furlongs, which sets him up nicely in bid to become first Phoenix-National winner since Air Force Blue.

City Of Troy: Authoritative winner of maiden first time up before spread-eagling Superlative Stakes with superb performance, pulling six lengths clear of Haatem, who went on to win Group 2 Vintage on his next start. Time was excellent at Newmarket - he was quickening up while his rivals were slowing down - and that makes him the one to beat now.

Cuban Thunder: York maiden winner for Dominic Ffrench Davis has since been found out in the Coventry and Superlative Stakes, so has plenty to prove now on first start for Adrian Murray.

Givemethebeatboys: Strong late on to make it two wins from first two starts in the Group 3 Marble Hill before selling for £1.1 million on the eve of the Coventry Stakes, where he ran a creditable fourth, beaten just under two lengths by River Tiber. Couldn’t lay up with Bucanero Fuerte when third in the Phoenix, and Bungle Inthejungle colt isn’t an obvious one to prosper at this trip.

Henry Longfellow: Regally bred colt (Dubawi - Minding) is a surprise declaration and it seems questionable whether he will indeed take his chance, with the Dewhurst deemed his target earlier this month. If he does line up, he’s a player, with two wins from his two starts. He looked professional in the Futurity, giving the impression he could do better again.

Islandsinthestream: Course and distance maiden winner in June and then found only Henry Longfellow too good in the Futurity - briefly looked threatening but never got close enough to land a blow. That leaves him with plenty to find now.

Conclusion

Bucanero Fuerte was a four-length winner of the Phoenix Stakes and shouldn’t be underestimated but it’s hard to take on City Of Troy, who looked a real star with the way he powered clear on Newmarket’s July course.