100 not out: Gordon Lord Byron bids for milestone Minstrel Stakes success

Paddy Power Minstrel Stakes (Group 2) | 7f | 3yo+ | RTV

The remarkable Gordon Lord Byron makes the 100th appearance of his career in the Minstrel Stakes, a race the 11-year-old won in 2015 and 2016.

A three time Group 1-winner in his pomp, the Tom Hogan-trained veteran has not won since achieving his 16th victory in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May 2017. But he has finished in the frame three times this year.

Hogan said: “We’ve been very happy with his work recently and he’s still enjoying things. He’s very well and we’re hoping to pick up some more prize-money.”

If Chris Hayes’s mount is to deliver a fairytale result in the seven furlong event he will have to overcome some smart rivals including last year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Romanised and a trio of British-trained runners – Hey Gaman, Mr Lupton and Safe Voyage.

Romanised: last season's Irish 2,000 Guineas winner heads to the CurraghCredit: Patrick McCann

Romanised endured a troublesome passage when fourth in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and his trainer Ken Condon said: “He ran very well at Ascot and came out of the race well. He has no penalty and that will help. The race fits in nicely with the Prix Jacques le Marois [August 11] his next target.”

Hey Gaman has won at Listed and Group 3 level over the trip this year and James Tate is expecting a 'bold show' from last season's French Guineas runner-up.

He said: “I’m expecting a bold show. He seems better this year and the form of his last win is working out well. I think the seven furlongs at the Curragh will really suit him.”

Safe Voyage is three from three this year and achieved his biggest career win when landing the Group 3 John of Gaunt at Haydock last month.

“He’s been in great form this season and deserves his place in this sort of race," said trainer John Quinn. "It’s another step up for him but we’re very happy with him. It’s due to rain there and, hopefully, it will come."

Winner of the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at this course in May, the Richard Fahey-trained Mr Lupton will be racing over seven furlongs for the first time.

Flight Risk, a three-time winner over the trip at Group 3 level, represents Jim Bolger while Aidan O’Brien’s three runners include Dunkirk Harbour, the mount of Ryan Moore and a winner over 1m at Killarney four days ago.

Pistoletto looks to live up to big reputation in Anglesey Stakes

Pistoletto, ruled out of Royal Ascot due to a hold-up, returns to action in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes (4.00) in which the Aidan O’Brien-trained juvenile will be bidding to make it three from three this season.

O’Brien, who has sent out 11 winners of the event, is also represented by Mount Fuji, winner of a five furlong maiden at Cork before finishing out of the money in Norfolk Stakes.

Pistoletto: unbeaten in two startsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O’Brien said: “Pistoletto is just ready to start back. Hopefully, the ground will stay the way it is as he likes it quick. We’re hoping he runs well but he should come on a good bit from the run.

“Mount Fuji lacked experience going to Ascot but we’ve been happy with him since and he’s in good form.”

Real Appeal, a three-time winner in France before finishing last in the Norfolk Stakes, will be having his first start for Jim Bolger while Lil Grey, sixth in the Albany Stakes on her most recent start, represents Sheila Lavery.

Lavery said: “She came out of Royal Ascot very well. We’re taking on the colts again – she beat them when winning her maiden – and we’re hoping for a good run.”

The line-up also included the Michael Halford-trained course winner Roman Turbo and Jessica Harrington’s Listowel winner Between Hills.

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