'I couldn't be happier with him' - Go Bears Go leads British raid on Group 3

Saturday: 3.15 Curragh
Rathasker Stud Phoenix Sprint Stakes (Group 3) | 6f | 3yo+ | RTV

Go Bears Go bounced back from his Commonwealth Cup flop with a second to Minzaal in last month's Hackwood Stakes, and a reproduction of that effort should make him highly competitive in this Group 3.

The battle-hardened three-year-old won the 2021 Railway Stakes over this course and distance and will bid to confirm the form of his latest Newbury clash with Dubawi Legend, who finished a head behind on that occasion.

If he has been sharpened up from his first start over 6f last time, Dubawi Legend may have the potential to improve past the Dave Loughnane-trained colt, but Go Bears Go is the proven article.

Castle Star (number 5): closely matched with Go Bears Go (number 8) on their 2021 formCredit: Patrick McCann

Fozzy Stack had warned Castle Star would need the run on his return from a 294-day break in the Sapphire Stakes last time, so there was promise in his fifth-placed effort. He had Go Bears Go behind when the pair finished behind Perfect Power in last year's Group 1 Middle Park Stakes.

Power Under Me is another live hope for the home team, while the Clive Cox-trained Wings Of War ensures a strong hand for the visitors.

What they say

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Go Bears Go
He's in good order and it's a competitive renewal. We'd like to think he can put in a similar performance to the Hackwood. He didn't run his race in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, but I couldn't be happier with him.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Dubawi Legend
Horses need to learn to sprint, so he should improve now that he is sprinting. He's doing everything really nicely and he seems to have sharpened up. He doesn't have a great deal to find with Go Bears Go, who was a notch ahead of him at this trip three weeks ago. I think he's going the right way.

New York City: down the field on his return from a setback in the Sapphire StakesCredit: Patrick McCann

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of New York City
We felt that he would come on for his run at the Curragh last time [after a setback]. I don't think stepping back up to six furlongs will be a problem and he might even be able to go up again in trip in time.

Hollie Doyle, rider of Wings Of War
His last run at Deauville was good when third to Garrus. The headgear he had on for the first time got a bit of spark out of him. He's won the Mill Reef and you'd like to think he'd run a good race.

John Feane, trainer of Ano Syra
If we could pick up some black type it'd be great. She seems to like the Curragh.

Read more Saturday previews . . .

4.15 Curragh: 'His form has worked out exceptionally' – Bradsell heads stellar Phoenix line-up

Shergar Cup: 'He's nicely handicapped' – key quotes for the final six races

3.00 Haydock: What's not to like about Grocer Jack? Nothing, but he won't find this as easy

3.40 Newmarket: Can Lakota Sioux continue impressive Sweet Solera record for Johnstons?

Place bets with seven bookmakers without leaving the free Racing Post app. Same prices, same offers, live video. Every race, every day. Search 'Racing Post App' to download for free