August 09 / 15.25 Curragh

15.25

Good

FBD Hotels And Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes (Group 3)

  • Prize money: £34132.23
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • 12 runners
RTV
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FBD Hotels And Resorts Phoenix Sprint Stakes (Group 3)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

Form: 1670-1 CD

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
2023 Phoenix Stakes winner; disappointing last autumn (including in Ascot race won by Kind Of Blue) after a Group 3 win at Naas in the spring; after a very brief spell at stud, made a reassuring start to the campaign with a 5f Naas win in May; capable of a big run if at the top of his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(4)

9th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Bucanero Fuerte

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Former top-class juvenile, six-time winner, four at this track, including the 2023 Phoenix Stakes and this race last year; finished behind Big Gossey and James Delight when fourth in the Greenlands here in May; failed to make much impact over 5f here last time; capable of a big run on his day.

9/2

6th

1

(9)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Bucanero Fuerte

9st 9lb

J: Donagh O’Connor

T: Robson De Aguiar

Classy juvenile and a six-time winner, including four times at this track over 5f/6f; two wins last season included a Listed heat over 5f at Naas and the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes here over 6f (both on good); weakened late over 6f in a Group 2 here last time, and not dismissed back at 5f.

17/2

7/1

Form: 11-252 CD

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Three-time C&D winner, including a Group 3 last September at the main expense of Big Gossey; started the season with second over 5f; not one of his livelier displays in the Greenlands; beaten a short head by Vespertilio last time, 7lb better off now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(9)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

My Mate Alfie

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ex-Irish gelding whose good spell in 2024 featured a Group 3 win and who ran creditably a few times last year; seemed to need the run at Doncaster on stable/seasonal debut but has work to do to reverse placings with Aramram and Jasour.

25/1

8th

11

(6)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

My Mate Alfie

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Previously trained by Ger Lyons in Ireland; best efforts in 2025 when runner-up in Listed event and Group 3 at the Curragh (both 6f, good); changed hands for 250,000gns in the autumn; major player if cherry ripe on his first start for new connections and needs watching carefully in the market.

4/1

5th

4

(8)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

My Mate Alfie

9st 7lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: G M Lyons

Enjoyed a purple patch at the backend of last season which included a win in this race; had been running well in defeat this season until failing to fire in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock; may be able to get back on track in these calmer waters, especially with rain forecast.

100/30

Form: 221-98 D BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Made great progress last year, his first season of racing, culminating in a Group 1 win at Ascot on Champions Day (6f, soft); two lacklustre efforts so far this year, however, and needs a dramatic revival to match last year's second place in this race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(5)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Kind Of Blue

9st 5lb

J: William Buick

T: James Fanshawe

Fourth in the Commonwealth Cup here (good to firm) during progressive 2024 campaign, which culminated in Group 1 C&D win (soft) in the British Champions Sprint; 0-6 since but runner-up in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) last September and filled the same position on last month's return in the Group 2 Minster Stakes at York (6f, good); may not be far away.

14/1

OUR TIP

9/1

Form: 42500- CD

Last run: 294 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Horse

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Winner of four of his six starts at this venue; lack of an outing this term is a drawback, and he went through last season without adding to a career tally of nine wins; career highlight, a Group 1 Ascot success in October 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(7)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Art Power

10st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Usually races up with pace; fine sprinter over the years but the majority of his big wins have come at the Curragh, where he's won five Group races; well beaten over this C&D when last seen in November and, although he'd be dangerous on a going day, others seem more likely to give their running.

20/1

1

(10)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Art Power

9st 4lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Sprang a 40-1 surprise in this race in 2023 and showed he's still capable of smart form when winning the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh (6f, soft) three weeks ago; however, he's some way down the pecking order on this year's form and others appeal more.

22/1

1st

1

(6)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

Art Power

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A regular visitor to these parts and has won here four times, including this race in 2021 and 2022; ran a blinder in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes over C&D on his seasonal reappearance last month; below best in Flying Five two weeks ago; could rebound stepped back up in trip.

6/1

10/1

Form: 0-8342 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Good progress last year and has taken her rating into three figures this season; third at Haydock before outrunning her 100-1 odds with a Group 1 fourth at Royal Ascot; good second at York last time behind the Commonwealth Cup fourth Sayidah Dariyan.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(5)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Nighteyes

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won a 6f Listed race at Naas last season; outran her 100-1 odds with a Group 1 fourth placing over 6f at Royal Ascot; has done most of her arcing over 6f, including when well held in fifth behind Bucanero Fuerte here last month.

16/1

18

(8)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Nighteyes

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Reserve; C&D winner who has run some good races in defeat this season, including fourth to Lazzat in the Group 1 Jubilee at Royal Ascot; however, it's likely she'll come up short once more.

50/1

5th

9

(11)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Nighteyes

9st 4lb

J: Ben Coen

T: David O’Meara

Good progress last year and has taken her rating into three figures this season; third at Haydock before outrunning her 100-1 odds with a Group 1 fourth at Royal Ascot; good second at York last time behind the Commonwealth Cup fourth Sayidah Dariyan.

10/1

9/1

Form: 5-2441 CD

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
7f Group 2 winner here as a juvenile, and runner-up in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes; Classic-placed in France last year before found wanting in subsequent Grade 1 attempts; sights have been lowered this season; twice fourth in Pattern races before landing 6f Listed event here on latest; second My Mate Alfie is 7lb better off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(2)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

Vespertilio

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: W McCreery

Two-time winner; beat My Mate Alfie by a short head in a listed heat over C&D (good) in June; didn't uphold that form in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes; much more like it in the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes at Naas on latest when chasing home Sky Majesty; ground versatile and should be in the mix again.

11/2

7

(9)

24th Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:25 Naas

Vespertilio

9st 7lb

J: Nathan Crosse

T: W McCreery

7f Group 2 winner as a juvenile, and runner-up in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes; Classic-placed in France last year before found wanting in subsequent Grade 1 attempts; sights have been lowered this season; twice fourth in Pattern races before landing 6f Listed at the Curragh in June; lacked the pace to make a major impact in a 6f Group 3 at the same venue on latest.

7/1

6th

10

(13)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Vespertilio

9st 4lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: W McCreery

7f Group 2 winner here as a juvenile, and runner-up in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes; Classic-placed in France last year before found wanting in subsequent Grade 1 attempts; sights have been lowered this season; twice fourth in Pattern races before landing 6f Listed event here on latest; second My Mate Alfie is 7lb better off.

9/1

7th
11 (4)
Babouche

9/2

Form: 14-410 CD

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Made it 3-3 in Group 1 Phoenix Stakes here 12 months ago; pulled hard when fourth in soft-ground Cheveley Park; won Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) on second start this season; flopped in the Commonwealth Cup when much too free; could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(4)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Babouche

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Made it 3-3 in Group 1 Phoenix Stakes here 12 months ago; pulled hard when fourth in soft-ground Cheveley Park; won Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) on second start this season; flopped in the Commonwealth Cup when much too free; could bounce back.

9/2

14

(18)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Babouche

8st 13lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Made it 3-3 in Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh (6f, good to firm) last August then pulled hard when fourth in soft-ground Cheveley Park; back to winning ways in Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas (6f, good) last month, and impressed even though runner-up Whistlejacket was below par; one to consider.

5/1

2

(5)

18th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 205y

16:33 Naas

Babouche

9st 5lb

J: Colin Keane

T: G M Lyons

Won her first three starts, including the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes and the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes, beating Whistlejacket on the latter occasion; winning run came to an end on soft ground behind Lake Victoria at Newmarket in the Cheveley Park; failed to cope with a 5lb penalty at Cork on return; should be close to peak fitness now.

13/8

Form: 453405 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
All eight turf wins at this venue (also placed here on ten occasions); as good as ever when landing the 7f Gladness Stakes over C&D in March; subsequent form has been largely respectable but hard to see him winning this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(14)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:15 Curragh

Big Gossey

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Charles O’Brien

Course legend has won 10 of his 12 races at this track and amassed 575,000GBP in prizemoney; has won twice at Listed level this season and second in a Group 2; however, wasn't himself when eased and well beaten last time; has run well in defeat in this race for the last two years but the trip stretches him and is vulnerable again.

14/1

5th

1

(2)

9th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 7lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Course specialist made it ten wins here with a Listed race success over this trip in June; also won the Gladness Stakes over 7f here in March; second to subsequent Group 1 winner Comanche Brave in the Greenlands in May, with James Delight in third; holding his form admirably on the evidence of Group 2 second over 7f here three weeks ago.

7/2

10/1

Form: 6-1572 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Has continued to show good form since fifth behind My Mate Alfie over C&D last autumn; won a 6f Listed race at Doncaster in March and creditable second in a 6f Group 3 at Deauville last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Spycatcher

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Won a 6f Listed at Doncaster early last season (good to soft); ended 2025 in top form with convincing wins in Group 3 at Chantilly (very soft) and a Listed race at Doncaster (Montassib fifth); failed to uphold form with Montassib at the same venue on seasonal debut.

6/1

10th

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Spycatcher

10st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Won this race 12 months ago (good to soft) when others including James's Delight met trouble; ended 2025 better than ever with convincing successes in Group 3 at Chantilly (very soft) and Listed race here (heavy; Montassib and Art Power unplaced); penalised this time but should go well again.

4/1

Form: 8-1106 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
5f Dundalk Listed winner last season; has added two more Listed wins to her record this season, at Cork (6f, good) and Chelmsford (6f, AW); struggled in the Commonwealth Cup; not at her best in a 6f Listed race at Naas on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(6)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Lady With The Lamp

9st 11lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three for yard and preferred by McMonagle; three-time Listed winner including over C&D last October; won another Listed at Chelmsford (6f) in May; out of form on turf recently but return to AW a big plus and nicely drawn; cheekpieces go on.

10/1

15th

15

(11)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Lady With The Lamp

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

5f Dundalk Listed winner last season; has added two more Listed wins to her record this season, at Cork (6f, good) and Chelmsford (6f, AW); struggled in the Commonwealth Cup and not at her best in Group 3/Listed races since.

50/1

10

(3)

24th Aug 2025

Good

0m 5f 205y

15:25 Naas

Lady With The Lamp

9st 4lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

5f Dundalk Listed winner last season; has added two more Listed wins to her record this season, at Cork (6f, good) and Chelmsford (6f, AW); struggled in the Commonwealth Cup; not at her best the C&D event won by Sky Majesty; never counted in a Group 3 at the Curragh.

12/1

10/1

Form: 7-2200 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Group 3 winner as a 2yo; creditable second in Listed races this spring but came up well short in the Commonwealth Cup; limitations again exposed in the July Cup.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(5)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

Ides Of March

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

3yo won a Group 3 over C&D last year; started this season promisingly with runner up efforts in listed company at Navan (6f, soft) and Newbury (6f, gd-fm); struggled in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and July Stakes and again in the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes here on latest (slowly away); needs to bounce back.

13/2

11th

13

(14)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

15:25 Curragh

Ides Of March

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Group 3 winner as a 2yo; creditable second in Listed races this spring but came up well short in the Commonwealth Cup; limitations again exposed in the July Cup.

10/1

10th

12

(7)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Ides Of March

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Group 3 winner as a 2yo; creditable second in Listed races won by stablemate Whistlejacket and Symbol Of Honour this spring but came up well short in the Commonwealth Cup and still needs to prove he's a Group 1 colt; deserted by Ryan Moore for the third time this year.

40/1

16/1

Form: 51144- D

Last run: 315 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Last year's Richmond Stakes winner; absent since fourth of six in the Middle Park; tough task in the circumstances; blinkers and tongue-tie for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

14:25 Dundalk (AW)

Black Forza

9st 10lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: M D O’Callaghan

Group 2 Richmond Stakes winner in 2024; sparingly raced last year, including third of 5 behind Valiant Force in 5f conditions event here; never sighted on seasonal return in Naas Listed in May and has had time off since (gelded); first-time headgear combination for handicap debut.

9/1

29

(4)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Black Forza

9st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: M D O’Callaghan

Reserve; won 6f Group 2 at Goodwood (good to firm) as a 2yo; sparingly raced with mixed results since and has plenty to prove after a low-key Listed run on reappearance at Naas (5f); no aids latest; has worn blinkers, first-time cheekpieces today.

50/1

7th

1

(6)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

17:26 Naas

Black Forza

9st 9lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: M D O’Callaghan

Winner of a Goodwood Group 2 in 2024; sparingly raced last year, well beaten in a Curragh Group 3 (6f, good); some better efforts twice at Dundalk but more needed here and lacks a run.

18/1

Non-runners

King Cuan, Tango Flare, Fregada

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast €50.34
Tricast €384.95

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Babouche

TOPSPEED:

Lady With The Lamp

POSTDATA:

My Mate Alfie

SPOTLIGHT:

Bucanero Fuerte

The Irish Sun:

Babouche