Like His Sire: Gstaad Captures the Coventry and Moves Royal Ascot Crowds

Unbeaten, imposing and full of promise, Gstaad, a son of Starspangledbanner, stamped his class and helped ease the absence of the sidelined Albert Einstein

Gstaad handed Aidan O’Brien a record-extending eleventh victory in the G2 Coventry Stakes / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKESHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) emulated his sire in powerful fashion Tuesday at Royal Ascot, making every yard of the running to dominate a 20-strong field in the G2 Coventry Stakes, one of the meeting’s signature events for 2-year-olds.

Sent off the 7-2 favorite following a debut win at Navan where he showed signs of greenness, the imposing colt took a significant step forward under a tactically sharp ride from Ryan Moore, surging away from the field inside the final quarter-mile to win by three emphatic lengths. Do Or Do Not (Space Blues) and Coppull (Bated Breath) filled the minor placings for Ed Walker and Clive Cox, respectively.

A half-brother to dual G1 winner Vandeek (Havana Grey), Gstaad handed Aidan O’Brien a record-extending eleventh victory in the 6-furlong contest, and immediately positioned himself as Ballydoyle’s leading juvenile colt following the injury setback of high-profile stablemate Albert Einstein (Wootton Bassett).

“I’m absolutely delighted. Gstaad just looks a proper horse, doesn’t he?” said O’Brien. “We’ve always held him in high regard. He had only the one run coming in, but from day one he moved like a good one. He’s a big, scopey colt with a beautiful action, very genuine, puts his head down and really travels. He has plenty of pace, and I’d say he’ll stay further too.”

O’Brien also praised Moore’s execution: “Ryan was very positive on him, let him find his rhythm early and then asked him to go. He’s a big horse, but very balanced, and covered the ground so well. I’m thrilled for everyone involved.”

As for next steps, O’Brien didn’t hesitate: “I’d imagine it’s Group 1s from here,” he said. On the topic of the sidelined Albert Einstein, he added: “He’s something we’ve never had before. From his first bit of work, he was different—unbelievable speed for such a big frame. We’re very excited about his future and looking forward to having him back.”

Ed Walker, meanwhile, was candid about his surprise at Do Or Do Not’s runner-up effort: “Honestly, I’m shocked,” he admitted. “I never imagined we’d be contesting a Coventry. Credit to Simon Sadler, who wanted to take a chance—I was leaning toward a £40,000 novice at Carlisle. But he ran a huge race and I’m very proud of him. He’s tough. Both Hector [Crouch] in York and Tom [Marquand] today said he’s a classy colt. He’s so laid-back at home you wouldn’t know what you’ve got, but that’s exactly what you want in a good one.”