Undefeated Siskin and Crossfirehurricane both extended their unbeaten records on June 12 at The Curragh, with Siskin winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1) and Crossfirehurricane the Gallinule S. (G3).

Siskin is Juddmonte Farms homebred by First Defence and is the second registered foal out of Bird Flown (GB), who is a half-sister to Group-placed Barsanti (GB) and the dam of multiple Grade 1-winning champion Close Hatches.

The 1,600 meter Guineas is the first classic of the year in Ireland for 3-year-old. Siskin was trapped in behind horses along the rail for most of the trip. With about two furlongs to run, jockey Colin Keane had to swing five-wide for clear racing room. He accelerated quickly to win by nearly two lengths in 1:38.49 on the good/firm turf.

“The more time we’ve given him, the better he’s become so it’s all worked out,” said Keane. “I was little bit uneasy on the rail for a while, but the further he went the stronger he galloped and he has such acceleration. When the gap appeared, I had the horse to get there.”

Siskin has won all five of his starts and has earned $492,325.

Crossfirehurricane, a 3-year-old son of champion turf sire Kitten’s Joy, collected his fourth win in as many starts in the 10-furlong Gallinule. He was bred in the Bluegrass by Glen Hill Farm and Scott Heider and races in the colors of the latter.

Crossfirehurricane’s dam Louvakhova was a stakes winner and is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) winner Flotilla (FR).

Content to trail the field early in the Gallinule, Crossfirehurricane was as much as a dozen lengths off the lone leader Toronto through the first mile. When rider Shane Crosse called on his mount, he cut into the lead resolutely through the stretch, outrunning Gold Maze (GB) to win by a length.

“He’s an improving colt. I was a little bit worried about experience and the trip coming here, but Shane gave him a lovely ride,” trainer Joseph O’brien said. “The Tattersalls Gold Cup back here is an option for him and he could have another run between now and then.”

Crossfirehurricane upped his earnings to $103,343.

Siskin: Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1)

https://youtu.be/nIwGOuuoof0

Crossfirehurricane: Gallinule S. (G3)

https://youtu.be/JhE5qwGOMfY