Amo Team eagerly prepared for an exciting weekend at the Irish Champions Festival
Amo Racing’s High-Class Colts Set to Fly the Flag in Ireland
This weekend promises excitement and anticipation as Amo Racing’s two high-class colts, King Of Steel and Bucanero Fuerte, take center stage at the prestigious Irish Champions Festival. The distinctive purple silks of Kia Joorabchian’s racing operation have become a familiar sight in some of the most prominent races on the calendar, and their presence will be felt both at Leopardstown and the Curragh during this top-class weekend of racing.
The first opportunity for glory falls to Roger Varian’s King Of Steel, who is currently leading the market for Saturday’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes in Dublin. Having already achieved success at Royal Ascot and secured podium finishes in both the Epsom Derby and King George, this talented colt is well-positioned to make his mark once again. Tom Pennington, racing and operations manager for Amo Racing enthused about their prospects stating, “It’s a very exciting time…to be going to the Irish Champions Festival with two live contenders in two Group Ones is what we’ve been striving for over the last 18 months.”
Dropping back from a mile and a half to 10 furlongs at Leopardstown might seem like an adjustment; however, connections are confident that King Of Steel possesses all necessary attributes to excel in this latest challenge. According to Pennington, “We’ve been looking for an option…to drop King Of Steel back…all year…and we’re very much looking forward to it.” Despite there being no such thing as an easy Group One race, the team remains optimistic about their chances. Pennington further added, “The horse is in great form…let’s hope he gets there in one piece now.”
Bucanero Fuerte holds a special place in Amo Racing folklore, as he secured their first Group One success by winning the Phoenix Stakes last month. This talented youngster, also sired by Wootton Bassett, will be stepping up to seven furlongs for the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday after showcasing his stamina over six furlongs. Pennington noticed Bucanero Fuerte’s growth and maturity throughout the season and stated, “He has always been a strong stayer…now he is really maturing into the horse we hoped he would.”
In their bid to secure another victory against tough competition, Bucanero Fuerte will face off against Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy – currently favored at odds-on – who impressed with back-to-back wins including an impressive performance at Newmarket’s Superlative Stakes.
“Bucanero Fuerte does like to get his toe in…the one concern we do have is obviously City Of Troy,” admitted Pennington. Despite acknowledging City Of Troy’s abilities, Pennington emphasized that they are not afraid of any competitor and believe they have a real chance of success.
Pennington concluded by stating,
“We think we’re going there with a live chance.”