Wootton Bassett Colt Wins G1 Phoenix Stakes

With his first Australian bred yearlings to be offered at sales in 2024, Wootton Bassett is running hot with some outstanding juveniles in Europe this year including Bucanero Fuerte (2c Wootton Bassett x Frida la Blonde, by Elusive City), a dominant winner of the Group I Phoenix Stakes (6f) at the Curragh on Saturday.

Trained by Adrian Murray and ridden by Kevin Stott, Bucanero Fuerte won his debut at the Curragh back in March before finishing third at Royal Ascot in the Group II Coventry Stakes to another Wootton Bassett colt in River Tiber.

He then won the Group II Railway Stakes at the Curragh beating yet another Wootton Bassett colt in Unquestionable, who was among his rivals for this tougher assignment.

The Aidan O’Brien trained Unquestionable was favoured to turn the tables, but Bucanero Fuerte was having none of that and led all the way to post a commanding four length win.

“It didn't really go to plan with the pacemaker not getting anywhere near me, so I had to ride my own race but he's very uncomplicated and lengthened and stretched from 2 1/2 out and was quite surprised that nothing came to challenge me,” said winning rider Kevin Stott.

Bucanero Fuerte has won three of four starts and holds an entry for the Group I National Stakes on September 10, again at the Curragh.

“I think Bucanero Fuerte is a serious horse. That's three runs and three wins here, he's the horse of a lifetime. I'd say it'll be the National Stakes for him now and I don't think he'll have any problem stepping up to 7f. He would prefer an ease in the ground, but he has won on good ground,” said Adrian Murray.

“The ground today would be a bit easier than the last day. He was very impressive in his maiden here on heavy ground, but it's not an issue for him as he's won on quick ground as well.”

Purchased for €165,000 from the Arqana August Deauville Yearling Sale by Robson Aguiar, Bucanero Fuerte runs in the Amo Racing colours.

He is a full brother to Wootton Bassett’s Group I winning sprinter Wooded.

Bucanero Fuerte is also a full brother to Group III place Beat le Bon being one of four winners from good producer Frida la Blonde, a sibling to stakes-winners Fred Lalloupet and Mon Pote le Gitan.

He is the seventh Group I winner for Wootton Bassett, who returns to Australia this spring at a fee of $93,500.