Front-Running Flair and Tactical Brilliance
Trainer Aidan O’Brien praised the filly’s versatility and composure, especially under the trying surface. “She is an amazing filly. She’s homebred, stays a mile and a half, handles any ground,” he said. “Ryan knew what he was doing. No one else wanted to make the running in those conditions, so everyone waited for him.”
O’Brien highlighted her range of future options from York to the Arc trials in France as a testament to her class and reliability. “She’s so straightforward, and she could go anywhere now. She’s that rare type who gives you all the options,” he added.
Moore echoed those sentiments post-race: “Whirl keeps doing what she promises. She’s uncomplicated and very genuine. She’s won two Group 1s now and will step up again possibly against the boys next.”
Big Rivals Fall Behind
G1 Coronation Stakes winner Cercene ran with heart on her first try at 10 furlongs, plugging on for second at 11/1. Her trainer Joseph Murphy remarked, “She was wheel-spinning in the ground. On better ground, she runs a massive race. She’s pure courage.” Jockey Gary Carroll added, “She’s just so tough. Got the trip, but the footing caught her out.”
See The Fire, third in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, repeated that finish here. Trainer Andrew Balding conceded conditions didn’t suit but felt it was a fair result: “We probably wouldn’t have beaten the winner anyway. She’s fine and we’ll look at York next.”
O’Brien’s Perspective on Whirl vs Minnie Hauk
When asked to compare Whirl with G1 Oaks winner Minnie Hauk, O’Brien drew an insightful contrast. “Minnie’s a high cruiser. We’ve seen that at home but not yet in races. At Epsom, she followed Whirl so easily, and Ryan thought he had her but Whirl just kept going. They’re both top-class. Their next clash will tell us more.”
Breeders’ Cup Beckons: Whirl Earns Her Spot
Whirl’s Qatar Nassau Stakes triumph earns her a place in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf through the “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. Entry fees are covered, and international travel allowances apply providing she’s nominated by October 20.
She also receives an automatic invite to the Pegasus World Cup F/M Turf (G2), scheduled for January 24, 2026, at Gulfstream Park, with $25,000 in travel incentives and VIP hospitality for her team.
What Lies Ahead for Whirl?
With form on various ground conditions and stamina that stretches beyond ten furlongs, Whirl presents herself as a legitimate Arc contender, should connections choose that route. O’Brien’s tone suggests there’s more to come, and as autumn targets loom, she’s one to watch machine-like in her progression and devastating in execution.
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