Air Force Blue new Guineas favourite

In emphatically reversing Coventry Stakes form with Buratino and giving trainer Aidan O’Brien his fourteenth success in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes, yesterday afternoon at the Curragh, Air Force Blue was promoted to clear favouritism for next season’s Newmarket 2000 Guineas.

Impressive on debut but beaten favourite at Ascot, the son of War Front was sent off the 9-4 second favourite this time, and rewarded supporters with a smooth success.

Ridden off the pace, which was set by Sixth Sense and Rockaway Valley, he travelled strongly before quickening up stylishly to challenge over a furlong out. Passing Buratino with fluency, he pulled clear to beat stable companion Washington DC with something to spare.