Bucanero Fuerte Another Group 1 Winner By Wootton Bassett

Bucanero Fuerte (2c Wootton Bassett - Frida La Blonde, by Elusive City) made Group 1 success look easy when drawing four lengths clear in Saturday’s Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

An impressive debut winner at the track in March, the Adrian Murray-trained colt followed up with a fine third to River Tiber (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes, before denying Unquestionable (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Railway Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance.

Partnered by Kevin Stott on Saturday, the bay raced prominently throughout on the far side of the group and asserted by halfway. Ridden from two furlongs out, he was never headed and ran on strongly to win by four lengths.

“He's an exceptionally nice horse,” Stott said after the race. “He's just so uncomplicated. It's nice to know that we go in next year with a nice Guineas prospect.”

The delighted winning trainer added, “He was very impressive. We had him up here ten days ago doing a piece of work. Robson got off him and said he was the best horse he'd ever ridden. He was definitely correct on that one!” On future plans, Murray continued, “I'd say it'll be the National Stakes now and I don't think he'll have any problem stepping up to seven furlongs.”

Owned by AMO Racing and Giselle de Aguiar, Bucanero Fuerte is a full-brother to fellow Group 1 winner Wooded, as well as the 110-rated Beat Le Bon. The trio are the best progeny bred by Gestut Zur Kuste out of Frida La Blonde.

Bucanero Fuerte becomes a seventh individual Group 1 winner by Wootton Bassett and continues a terrific season so far for his sire. Epsom Derby runner-up King Of Steel and the unbeaten River Tiber completed a Group 2 double for Wootton Bassett at Royal Ascot, while multiple Stakes winner Chindit finished second in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes.