Bucanero Fuerte provided trainer Adrian Murray and owners Amo Racing with a first taste of Group One success with an impressive display in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
Third behind the unbeaten River Tiber in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, the Wootton Bassett colt had since edged out the reopposing Unquestionable to lift the Group Two Railway Stakes over the Phoenix course and distance.
Unquestionable was the 15-8 favourite for the rematch as he looked to provide Aidan O'Brien with a staggering 18th victory in the race, but Bucanero Fuerte reaffirmed his superiority in no uncertain terms under Kevin Stott.
Bucanero Fuerte is a class apart in the Group 1 @keeneland Phoenix Stakes as the Wootton Bassett colt powers clear for a commanding victory in the hands of Kevin Stott for trainer @AMurrayRacing 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Pjnc1RzNCP
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) August 12, 2023
On the speed from the start, Stott's mount kicked away from Unquestionable entering the final two furlongs and it was soon all over bar the shouting.
Porta Fortuna, the previously unbeaten Albany Stakes winner, came from further back in an attempt to bridge the gap, but Bucanero Fuerte was well on top and had four lengths in hand at the line.
Stott saluted the crowd on passing the post, having claimed his first top-level win since being appointed number one jockey for owners Amo Racing earlier this year.
