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| Staff Writer |
Gstaad produced a performance of considerable promise when dominating the Gr.2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, powering clear of his 19 rivals with a display that suggested Group One targets await. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, a half-brother to dual Group One winner Vandeek, demonstrated significant improvement from his debut success at Navan. Racing under Ryan Moore, the son of Starspangledbanner travelled smoothly before asserting his authority in the closing stages.
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Despite being forced to race in isolation down the centre of the track through the final two furlongs, Gstaad maintained his momentum superbly. The unbeaten colt secured a commanding three-length victory, with Do Or Do Not finishing second for Ed Walker and Coppull claiming third for Clive Cox. The victory provided O'Brien with an 11th success in the six-furlong contest, with Gstaad assuming pole position in the Ballydoyle pecking order following the injury to highly-regarded stablemate Albert Einstein.
O'Brien expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating: "I am absolutely delighted. Gstaad looks a very good horse, doesn't he? We have always loved him. He had only had the one run, but he has always worked like a good horse. "He is big, scopey, has a good stride and is very genuine; he goes with his head down and he has loads of speed. He looks like he will get further than six furlongs." The Ballydoyle handler praised Moore's tactical approach, adding: "Ryan rode him very positive. He let him find himself in the first half and then he came home very well. I was surprised tacking up how big he is. He got the trip very well, so I am delighted for everyone."
When questioned about Group One engagements, O'Brien confirmed: "I would imagine so." Regarding the absent Albert Einstein, O'Brien revealed: "He felt like something we didn't have before. The first day he worked, he was probably the most different horse we have ever seen – he was so quick. We haven't had horses as quick as he is but as big as he is. He is very exciting." Walker expressed surprise at his runner's performance, commenting: "I was surprised, to be honest! The Coventry isn't a race I'd have thought I'll be winning any time soon. Fair play to Simon [Sadler, owner] - he wanted to roll the dice." The trainer continued: "He is a tough horse - both Hector [Crouch] at York and Tom [Marquand] said they thought he was a smart horse. He is just so laidback at home, so chilled, he probably doesn't show you a huge amount, but that's how you want them."
| RACE REPLAY |
Coventry Stakes (Group 2) 2025 |