19:25 Curragh

Friday 9 August 2019

All17:1517:4518:1518:5019:2520:0020:35

Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 19:25 | Winning time: 1m 15.42s

(7)

Beckford⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: D O'Brien| T: G Elliott| OR: 105| CD

15/8

C&D Group 2 winner at two and twice placed here in Group 1 company. Missed all of last season and didn't show much on his belated return at Naas but certainly more like it here latest when an unlucky in running fifth at Listed level. Respected now.

Form: 255/1-75

(8)

Buffer Zone²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Colin Keane| T: G M Lyons| OR: 99| CD

7/2

Like so many before him has been reinvigorated by joining this yard. Won C&D handicap on stable debut and just touched off in valuable Scurry handicap latest to a rival receiving 12lb. Toughest task yet but rate or progress means he's respected.

Form: 1347-12

(1)

Gordon Lord Byron²⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 9-7| J: Billy Lee| T: T Hogan| OR: 106| CD

11/1

A grand servant who has won a host of Group races in his time including a Group 1 success at Longchamp. Hasn't won since 2017 but is the top-rated performer here so can't rule out a roof-raising success.

Form: 043364

(4)

Southern Horse^p1⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 102

7/1

Has won three races in Argentina over the minimum trip and Group 1 placed in December. Well held in a handicap at Royal Ascot although better here latest when fourth in Listed race. Step up needed in Group company.

Form: 412-104

(5)

Gustavus Weston²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Gary Carroll| T: J G Murphy| OR: 98| D

16/1

Maiden winner as a juvenile last year and posted a career best in a Group 3 at Naas in May when second of 10. Well behind Buffer Zone however in valuable Scurry handicap latest over C&D and 5lb weight pull may not be enough to turn the tables.

Form: 417-820

(9)

San Andreas^b1²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 93| D

18/1

Maiden winner at Naas in 2018 but failed to land a blow in four runs this campaign, two at Listed level and when last here latest in a Group Two. Others more compelling although blinkers a hope.

Form: 16-9770

(2)

Angelic Light^p,t⁹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Leigh Roche| T: M O'Callaghan| OR: 93| CD

25/1

Rounded off a successful two-year-old campaign with a win in a 6f Newmarket Listed contest over 6f in November, and ran well on her return at Navan in March. Well below that form last time, though and has something to prove on balance.

Form: 0471-50

(3)

Servalan¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Shane Foley| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 99| D

7/1

Showed liking for Naas again latest (2-3) when landing a second Listed success there. More asked of her now but coming off the back of a career-best she isn't one to take lightly by any means.

Form: 1685-21

(6)

Woody Creek¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Chris Hayes| T: J A Stack| OR: 98| BF| D

7/1

Hugely consistent filly won twice this season and ran excellent races the last twice when second in a C&D Listed race and to Servalan latest in a Naas Listed race (beaten a head). Always runs with great credit and has to be respected here.

Form: 511522

Forecasts

Beckford (15/8), Buffer Zone (7/2), Woody Creek (7/1), Servalan (7/1), Southern Horse (7/1), Gordon Lord Byron (11/1), Gustavus Weston (16/1), San Andreas (18/1), Angelic Light (25/1)

Three-year-old fillies WOODY CREEK and Servalan had a terrific tussle at Naas last time out and although on that occasion Jessica Harrington's filly triumphed it is the Fozzy Stack filly Woody Creek who gets the vote today on the basis of her superior course form. In what is a very competitive race it would be no surprise whatsoever if Buffer Zone makes the transition from top-handicapper to group horse as many have done before him over sprint trips.