Regular rivals set to clash again in competitive sprint - but this last-time-out winner appeals most

A competitive sprint which features plenty of consistent operators, none more so than My Mate Alfie who is in search of a four-timer having rattled off three wins on the bounce at the end of last season, and he renews rivalry with Big Gossey, who he defeated narrowly in his last two starts.

There was three-quarters of a length between the pair in a Curragh Group 3 in September when Big Gossey had to concede 2lb, but My Mate Alfie confirmed the form off 7lb worse terms in Listed company at this track last time.

He drops back to the minimum trip for the first time in his career on this seasonal debut, which poses a few questions, but given his strong-travelling nature, the trip shouldn't be an issue. The absence is more of a concern given he progressed throughout both seasons he's raced, while Big Gossey could not be more fit at the moment, having five starts in 2025, and he's been in sparkling form.

The eight-year-old is still finding improvement as his Listed success at the Curragh last time was a career best and he gave weight to two very useful three-year-olds in Camille Pissarro and Officer, showing plenty of resolution to hold off the former by half a length, while the fourth, Hurricane Ivor, advertised the form well when a close second in a useful conditions race last week.

Big Gossey usually reserves his A-game for the Curragh, but has run well here in the past, including when a length behind My Mate Alfie in October. The trip will be fine given his versatility and he will enjoy any further rain that hits the track.

Those two set a good standard, but it is worth taking a chance that Fozzy Stack's Two Stars can reach it after he put in a very useful performance when landing a handicap by two and three-quarter lengths at the Curragh last time.

He is extremely progressive and has improved with each of his nine starts, while 5f on ground with an ease are his optimum conditions. He has bundles of pace and his profile suggests this grade is well within his reach.

Sir Yoshi is an interesting contender for David Marnane and has claims based on his excellent third in the Listed Julia Graves Roses Stakes at York in August, where he finished behind Tropical Storm and Magnum Force, both of whom have advertised the form well since.

That run was on firm ground but his maiden success came on soft, so conditions shouldn't inconvenience him too much for all he is probably better on a sounder surface.

Going update

The ground is yielding to soft following a dry 24 hours. 

What they say

Charles O'Brien, trainer of Big Gossey
He's in good form and, while it's not the Curragh, he has run well at Naas a couple of times before. He's dropping back to five furlongs but is versatile as regards trip.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Two Stars and Unexpected Issues
Two Stars put in a good performance at the Curragh and he's obviously up in grade now, but he'll appreciate conditions. Further rain wouldn't bother him and he hopefully can give a good account. Unexpected Issues had a couple of good runs last year. She's ready to start back now and it'd be great if she could run into the places.

David Marnane, trainer of Sir Yoshi
He ran well last time at Dundalk and would have needed it. He improves with each run as he showed last year. He was third at York on good to firm and won his maiden on quite soft ground so he's versatile. I'm not sure he would be in love with soft ground, but he will go on it.

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