Go Bears Go, Castle Star Rematch in Phoenix

Many people viewed the GAIN Railway Stakes (G2) as the strongest juvenile race of the season but opinions were split about who emerged from the race as the best 2-year-old.

There should be no questions left unanswered on that front Aug. 8 given Go Bears Go  and Castle Star  go head-to-head once again in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1) at the Curragh.

Go Bears Go battled best to beat Castle Star in the Railway with some prepared to forgive the latter given the trouble he met in running. 

Fans of the winner could just as easily point to the fact that Go Bears Go pulled out a bit more when Castle Star got out in the clear and was good value for the victory. 

The rematch is a fascinating proposition, especially given Go Bears Go and Castle Star are drawn in stalls 1 and 2 respectively, but it is not the only talking point in the race. 

Aidan O'Brien has won the race 16 times and Prettiest, the sole filly in the line-up, should not be underestimated after she was found to be in season when disappointing at Leopardstown. 

If the rain persists, Ebro River  would come into the equation, while Dr Zempf, who could manage only fourth in the Railway, is also respected in what is an up-to-scratch renewal of this group 1.

Ryan Up for Railway Rematch 

Rossa Ryan has had only a fleeting experience of riding at the Curragh but one of the rising stars of the British weighing room believes he has a serious chance of a first group 1 win with Go Bears Go.

Ryan partnered the juvenile to victory in June's Railway Stakes and returns with the son of Kodi Bear  as both he and trainer Dave Loughnane target a breakthrough win at the top level.

Ryan, who has already had his most successful year in Britain, is relishing a rematch with Castle Star over the same course and distance as the Railway.

"He's got a serious chance," he said. "The Castle Star camp thought they should have beaten us in the Railway and it looks like the race everybody is looking forward to because we're drawn in 2 and he's in 1, so he'll be on our tail tracking us and the best horse is going to win.

"We'd love good ground. We're not sure how he goes on good to firm just yet and he handled soft ground fine at Ascot.

"We went over last time as just an English challenger and they all came there to beat us but couldn't. Going into the group 1 on the favorite, I couldn't ask for a better horse. He's the most uncomplicated horse. I can drop him in or make the running."

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Castle Star, said: "He goes there in good order. He has form with an ease in the ground previously, so hopefully he'll be fine when it could hinder a few others."