15:45 Curragh

Sunday 16 July 2017

All14:0514:3515:1015:4516:1516:4517:2017:50

Qatar Airways Minstrel Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 15:47 | Winning time: 1m 24.56s

(5)

Cougar Mountain^p,t²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 112

10/1

A Group 2 winner over a mile at Newmarket last autumn on good to firm, he's a proven performer at this level but rather struggles for consistency as 3/25 strike rate confirms. Yard in form and would have clear chance on best form but hard to trust.

Form: 0-28637

(6)

Dutch Connection²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: James Doyle| T: C Hills| OR: 114| D

5/2

Good winner of the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last summer at this level (7f, good to firm). Cut no ice in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot last month but this is much more manageable and should be in the thick of it.

Form: 21560-6

(9)

Flight Risk¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 113| CD

12/1

Ended long winless run with Group 3 win over this trip at Leopardstown last month, since been beaten in Listed company over a mile at this track. Drops down in distance again now and can have a say though no shock if settling for minor honours.

Form: 2490-14

(4)

Gordon Lord Byron¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-8| J: Billy Lee| T: T Hogan| OR: 112| CD

16/1

Classy multiple Group race winner who has produced some of his best performances at this track. Only just denied in Listed 6f contest here early in the month and destined to be in the mix again.

Form: 254142

(1)

So Beloved^h¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 108| D

20/1

Already gone close at this level over at Haydock this season (beaten less than 1L) and thrives over this 7f trip. Much respected British yard are in good form and could run a big race with hood back on.

Form: 30-5334

(3)

Stormy Antarctic¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: J P Spencer| T: E Walker| OR: 112| BF| D

7/1

Been in excellent form over the mile this season, going close at Doncaster and Windsor in Listed company (both good to soft). Drops back in trip here and must be considered a contender for in-form British trainer.

Form: 276-252

(7)

Mubtasim^p1²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: P Cosgrave| T: W J Haggas| OR: 109| D

6/1

Lightly-raced individual with three wins from eight starts so far. Anything but disgraced last month behind Le Brivido in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot over 6f. Tackling this trip and sporting cheekpieces for the first time, could be set for a massive run.

Form: 819-333

(2)

Peace Envoy²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Seamie Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 106| C

25/1

Group 3 winner over slightly longer trip here in July last year, has found things tough at the top level since, including last month when last home in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot. One of three for in-form Ballydoyle team but doesn't appeal as a likely winner.

Form: 138-408

(8)

Spirit of Valor^b,t²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 114

5/2

Runner-up in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last month (Mubtasim just behind), that represented a career-best effort on just sixth turf start. Stable are flying and the choice of Moore from three in this field. Open to better and is a leading contender.

Form: 12-8862

Forecasts

Spirit of Valor (5/2), Dutch Connection (5/2), Mubtasim (6/1), Stormy Antarctic (7/1), Cougar Mountain (10/1), Flight Risk (12/1), Gordon Lord Byron (16/1), So Beloved (20/1), Peace Envoy (25/1)

An open-looking Group 2 contest and it would not be hard to make a case for any of the nine runners. The inconsistent Cougar Mountain has the talent but is hard to trust while admirable Gordon Lord Byron should once more give his running. Dutch Connection must be a bit player back at this level and has won over C&D before while Flight Risk is another to note. Spirit of Valor posted a career-best in the Jersey at Ascot last time and with the yard in stunning form should go close but MUBTASIM could overturn the Ascot form with cheekpieces on for the first time here and with William Haggas' team also in blistering form, he looks the value call at the likely prices.