No slowing down for Hogan's evergreen Gordon Lord Byron

Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Awards 2017 Handicap | 7f | 3yo+ | ATR

The evergreen Gordon Lord Byron, who has achieved Group 1 wins in France, England and Australia, will be back racing at Dundalk on Friday evening, on a surface on which he landed the first two wins of his career six years ago.

Tom Hogan’s stable star returned to handicap company for the first time since 2012 with a fine fifth-placed effort over a mile here a fortnight ago and the nine-year-old will have to give weight all round again.

Speaking about his popular veteran, Hogan said: “It’s better to keep going with him as if you start to slow down in your old age, you might seize up altogether!”

Joking aside, Hogan is expecting a good run, and added: “We know not to write him off because when he gets everything in his favour he’s capable of producing something like his best.

“I’m very happy with him and we expect him to go well back over 7f, which is probably his optimum trip now. He’ll like a strongly run race but giving away so much weight won’t be easy.”

Russian Soul, the other nine-year-old in the field and a fine sort in his own right, will be chasing his 12th career win.

Michael Halford: trainer of veteran Russian SoulCredit: Patrick McCann

Leading trainer at the track Michael Halford reports his charge to be in rude health, and said: “We were delighted with him last week on what was his first run back with us.

“He finished his race off really well and was beaten only two lengths in the finish. I think he’ll appreciate the step up in trip but it looks a competitive race, but the draw is not ideal.”

Togoville was a game winner from the front last week for Anthony McCann, who said: “He's in good form and he came out of last week's win very well.

“He may even come on from that but this is a stronger race and I'd be happy if he was in the first three. He's going up a furlong but I don't think that will bother him at all. He's as tough as nails.”

Another last time out winner at the track is Cascavelle, who is the only three-year-old in the line-up.

His handler Robbie McNamara revealed that he is planning a trip to Dubai with his Zhang Yuesheng-owned colt, provided he performs up to scratch in this.

Cascavelle: could head to Dubai if he performs well hereCredit: Patrick McCann

He said: “We had planned on running him last week but he got a little prod in his foot and we had to take our time with him but he's back 100 per cent now again and I'm expecting a big performance from him.

“I think he's better than his mark and I'm hoping that he'll be hard to beat. If he wins, you'd imagine that he'd be rated near 100 and you'd like to think that he might get an invitation for Dubai. That's the way we are thinking anyway.”

Finally, Richard O'Brien, who trained his first winner at Dundalk a little under a year ago, is trying to end 2017 on the right note with Beach Bar, and said: “Nothing went right the last day after he missed the kick. He’s been fine since and if he can find daylight early doors, I’m hopeful of a nice run.”

Can Theobald get back on track?

It's not often you see juveniles with a rating in excess of 100 running deep into the winter, but Jim Bolger obviously thinks he has found a winning opportunity for his Leopardstown maiden winner, Theobald, who runs in the 5.00.

Jim Bolger: has a strong hand at Dundalk with TheobaldCredit: Alain Barr

The Teofilo colt looked potentially smart when winning on debut back in June but was beaten on every one of his five subsequent starts, the latest coming in the Racing Post Trophy when he was sent to post a 100-1 shot behind Saxon Warrior.

Theobald may not have it all his own way as recent course winner Palariva should not be underestimated and Derby entry Downdraft could have the scope to improve from a solid debut effort at the track earlier in the month.

Murphy's making hay with Koybig

Restricted licence holder and full-time farmer Pat Murphy will be hoping his dream run with Koybig continues in the mile rated race (5.30).

The five-year-old was completely out of sorts until Murphy got his hands on him earlier this year and the pair are bidding for their fourth straight win together.

Koybig: the Pat Murphy-trained gelding is chasing his fourth straight win at DundalkCredit: Alain Barr

Murphy said: "He's stepping up in class and we are confident that he can mix it at this level.

"He has been kept ticking away at home and he's in very good form so we are hopeful of a good run."

Read exclusive previews from 6pm tonight on racingpost.com