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Very fine youngsters have won the Phoenix Stakes run at Curragh on Friday.

Caravaggio was excellent as a 3yo after winning this race. Can the 2019 Phoenix Stakes (1207m) at Curragh on Friday produce another good one?

2019 PHOENIX STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Phoenix Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for two year old colts and fillies at the Curragh conducted by the Curragh Racecourse for Horse Racing Ireland.

The Phoenix Stakes is run over six furlongs. It was first run in 1902 and was won by Bushey Belle.

This was the shortest G1 run in Ireland before the addition of the Flying Five Stakes.

The first runnings of the Phoenix Stakes were at Phoenix Park and known as the Phoenix Plate. It was over the short course. After Phoenix Park closed in 1990, it went to Leopardstown then the Curragh in 2002.

It became this race in 1956 and after being a G2 from 1971, was G1 in 1979 onwards.

The most Phoenix Stakes winners is with Michael Kinane at five.

In an amazing effort, Aidan O'Brien has trained 16 winners of the Phoenix. That is 16 of the last 21 editions.

2018 winner Advertise would go on to win the Commonwealth Cup as a 3yo.

The Phoenix Stakes is worth €250,000 in 2019.

Notable winners of the Phoenix Stakes include Caravaggio (2016), Air Force Blue (2015), Zoffany (2010), Mastercraftsman (2008), George Washington (2005), Johannesburg (2001), Danehill Dancer (1995), Turtle Island (1993), Kilijaro (1978) and Trigo (1928).

The 2018 Phoenix Stakes was won by Advertise from So Perfect and The Irish Rover.