The first two year-old race at Royal Ascot this year was the Group II Coventry Stakes (6f) with the Aidan O’Brien trained Starspangledbanner colt Gstaad sent out favoruite and duly cruising clear for an impressive win.
Ridden by Ryan Moore, he scored a dominant three length win making it wo wins in as many starts following on from his debut win at Navan last month.
“Gstaad looks a very good horse, doesn't he? We've always loved him. He had only had the one run. He has always worked like a good horse,” said Aidan O’Brien.
“He's big, he's scopey, he has a good stride and is very genuine; he goes with his head down and he has loads of speed. He looks like he will get further than six [furlongs].”
Gstaad was bought for 450,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale by MV Magnier from his breeder Maywood Stud.
Gstaad is a half-brother to 2023 Champion 2YO Colt Vandeek, who will shuttle to Arrowfield Stud this spring. He is the second stakes-winner among six winners from Mosa Mine, a placed Exceed and excel mare from the family of Group I winner and Group sire Anabaa.
Gstaad is the 53rd stakes-winner for Starspangledbanner, who was a G1 winner at Royal Ascot back in 2010 as was his grand-sire Choisir in 2003.
