Gordon Lord Byron back for more on 101st start in Group 3 sprint

7.25 Curragh
Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint Stakes | 6f | Group 3 | 3yo+ | RTV

There's simply no stopping Gordon Lord Byron, who returns for his 101st start in the supporting Group 3 sprint on Phoenix Stakes evening at the Curragh.

Tom Hogan's pride and joy has been holding his own this season without quite making a winning breakthrough and will bid to go one place better than last year when lining up under Billy Lee for the 6f contest.

"I'll be hoping we don't get too much rain – these days he seems better on a sounder surface," said Hogan of last month's Minstrel Stakes fourth.

"He's in great order and has been taken to the seaside a couple of times lately. It's essential he gets a strong pace to run at and the Curragh obviously suits him well."

Donnacha O'Brien will bid to spoil the 11-year-old's party for a second year in succession when partnering Gordon Elliott's Beckford, who didn't have any luck in running behind Speak In Colours on Irish Derby day at the Curragh.

Servalan heads to the Curragh fresh from success in the Listed Yeomanstown Stud EBF StakesCredit: Patrick McCann

Jim Bolger's Argentine import Southern Horse was just ahead of that rival in the Dash Stakes last time and is now tried in cheekpieces, while Woody Creek had both rivals behind her when second in that Listed event.

Fozzy Stack's charge is 5lb worse off now and needs to reverse form with Servalan, who narrowly denied her in a Listed fillies' sprint at Naas 16 days ago.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of San Andreas
We've decided to drop him back in trip and try him in blinkers because he's just been a little bit idle. It'll be interesting to see how he does but he seems in good form.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Servalan
She was very good last time at Naas when winning in Listed company. We don't want too much rain but we have to come here as the options for her are pretty limited.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Woody Creek
She wouldn't want too much rain to fall but is in good order and has run very well the last twice. It'd be great to pick up some Group 3 black type as well.

bet365 join the Racing Post app. You can bet directly with bet365 on the Racing Post iOS app - to download the latest must-have free app click here