Lope Y Fernandez out to emulate US Navy Flag and Ten Sovereigns in Round Tower

Round Tower Stakes (Group 3) | 2yo | 6f | RTV

Aidan O’Brien is going for four wins in a row in this Group 3 event which he won with top sprinters US Navy Flag in 2017 and Ten Sovereigns a year ago.

Heading a three-strong Ballydoyle team in the Round Tower Stakes this year is Lope Y Fernandez, who has twice finished behind the exciting Pinatubo since winning a seven-furlong maiden at this course on his debut.

Runner-up in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and third in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood on his most recent start, Lope Y Fernandez will be racing over six furlongs for the first time.

Lope Y Fernandez: finished behind Pinatubo twice since Curragh debut winCredit: Patrick McCann

He is joined in the line-up by stablemates Fort Myers, who was fourth in the Coventry Stakes before finishing third in the Group 2 Railway Stakes Stakes over this course and distance, and Mount Fuji, who was beaten eight lengths when fourth behind Siskin in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over course and distance three weeks ago.

Speaking on Thursday, O’Brien said: “We’ve been happy with Lope Y Fernandez since Goodwood and he seems in good form. We’re dropping him down in distance and, hopefully, that will suit.

“Fort Myers has had a break and is just ready to start back. We’re hoping he runs well but he should come on for the run. Mount Fuji is well and, hopefully, he will improve on his last run.”

Those taking on the O’Brien trio include British raiders Guildsman, who represents Archie Watson, and the Richard Fahey-trained Ventura Lightning, winner of both his starts.

The unbeaten Ventura Lightning is one of two British-trained contendersCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Watson said of Guildsman: “He missed the kick in the Richmond last time, so hopefully we can put a line through that run. I’m very happy with him and a return to a bit of cut in the ground should suit.

“He’s got very solid form and didn’t have much racing room in the July Stakes at Newmarket and the ground there was rattling. It was still a good run, though, while his third in the Coventry was very good too.”

A winner at Thirsk and Ripon, Ventura Lightning is stepping into Group company for the first time, and Fahey said: “Ventura Lightning will need to step up on what he has done but he’s a nice horse and we give him a chance. We’re very happy with him and his owners are looking forward to it.”

Another with significant Royal Ascot form is Albany Stakes runner-up Celtic Beauty, who represents Ken Condon. He said: "She was disappointing at Newmarket and York on either side of her maiden win at Naas, but the ground was probably too quick on both occasions and easier conditions this time should suit. Her Group form at Royal Ascot and at Naas early in the season would give her a chance."

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