Pinatubo odds-on to retain unbeaten record in red-hot National Stakes

Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (Group 1) | 2yo colts and fillies | 7f | RTE2/RTV

Appleby confident Pinatubo is the one to beat

The National Stakes is a race with a long and rich history and is one that has been won by many subsequent Classic winners, including Dawn Approach, Gleneagles and Churchill in the past decade.

And this year's race features another potential star as the unbeaten Pinatubo is the headline attraction following highly impressive wins in the Chesham Stakes and Vintage Stakes that propelled him to the head of the 2,000 Guineas market.

The Godolphin-owned colt will be attempting to give his owners a fourth win in the event following victories for Dubawi, Dawn Approach and Quorto, who 12 months ago beat this year’s Investec Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck.

A four-time winner, Pinatubo will have William Buick on board for the first time.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of the son of Shamardal, said: "Pinatubo's form is faultless and we have been aiming him at this race since he won impressively at Goodwood on his latest start.

"He has been very straightforward at home and we've been pleased with his preparation. He's an exciting colt and we're looking forward to seeing him step up to Group 1 company. I feel that they all have him to beat."

Pinatubo pros: Has looked an exceptional talent and very much the one to beat

Pinatubo cons: Looks to face his toughest challenger yet in Armory

Armory and Arizona head O'Brien
ammunition

Aidan O’Brien’s 11 winners of the event include seven colts who went on to achieve Classic glory, from Desert King, the Ballydoyle trainer’s first Group 1 winner, in 1996 to Churchill three years ago.

His team this time is headed by three-time winner Armory, the mount of Ryan Moore, who landed the Group 2 Futurity Stakes over course and distance last month.

Armory has been faultless for Aidan O'Brien in his last three startsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O’Brien said: “Armory has progressed with every run. He’s in good form and all has gone well with him since his Futurity win.”

Donnacha O’Brien partners Coventry Stakes winner Arizona, who finished fourth in the Prix Morny on his most recent start last month and will be tackling seven furlongs for the first time.

"We’ve been happy with Arizona since his Deauville run. Conditions were testing there and the better ground will suit him," said O’Brien, who added of his other runners: "Iberia and Toronto seem in good form. Iberia was quite green in the Futurity and we think he has come forward."

Armory pros: Progressive three-time winner and open to more improvement

Armory cons: Might struggle to cope with Pinatubo's pace

Arizona pros: Can be forgiven his Deauville effort on testing ground and will have conditions to suit this time

Arizona cons: Question over whether the step up to seven furlongs will suit

A Turbo-charged performance?

Roman Turbo, a son of Holy Roman Emperor, has done all his racing at the Curragh, twice winning over trips at around six furlongs before finishing fourth behind Armory in the Futurity Stakes when stepped up to seven furlongs on his most recent start.

Roman Turbo: fourth behind Armory last monthCredit: Patrick McCann

His trainer Michael Halford said: "Roman Turbo has won a Group 3, and while he has plenty to find on official ratings, he's in very good form. He has done well since his last run. We think he has improved and that he deserves to take his chance. If he finishes in the first three we'll be delighted."

Jim Bolger, trainer of Futurity Stakes third Geometrical, has landed the prize on four occasions with Teofilo, New Approach, Dawn Approach and, most recently, with Verbal Dexterity two years ago.

Completing the line-up is the Mark Johnston-trained Monoski, the mount of Joe Fanning. Stepping up considerably in class, Monoski will be running over seven furlongs for the first time.

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