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
View Course
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

4th

3

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Bucanero Fuerte

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Group 1-winning juvenile over C&D; returned from aborted stud career last year and won a 5f Listed race at Naas (good) and a C&D Group 3 (6f, good); fine third in the Group 1 Flying Five before failing to run to expectations at the Breeders' Cup; well below best on soft on seasonal debut at Cork; better over 5f at Naas, but needs more to make an impact here.

4/1

5th

2

(6)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Naas

Bucanero Fuerte

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Top class 2yo returned from aborted stud career last year and won a C&D Listed race (good) and a Curragh Group 3 (6f, good); fine third in the Group 1 Flying Five before a below-par run at the Breeders' Cup; soft ground not ideal for seasonal reappearance and better expected now; chance.

4/1

7th

1

(10)

4th Apr 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

16:02 Cork

Bucanero Fuerte

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner returned from an aborted stud career to show hich-class form last year; won a Group 3 plus a Listed race and was third in the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes; goes well fresh and looks the one to beat with yard amongst the winners.

11/8

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

2nd

10

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:30 York

Kind Of Blue

9st 10lb

J: James Doyle

T: James Fanshawe

Very smart performer whose Group 1 record features a win on Champions Day at Ascot (6f, soft) in 2024 and second-place finishes in the last two runnings of the Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good); leading player at the weights, assuming he's in top form (disappointing back at Ascot when last seen).

11/2

5

(18)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Kind Of Blue

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Enjoyed his finest hour when winning this race on soft ground last season; slow to get going this term but he shaped as if coming to the boil when second of 17 to Big Mojo in the Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) six weeks ago, finishing well after being hampered; Ascot suits him and he looks primed for another bold bid.

6/1

6

(19)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Kind Of Blue

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Highly progressive 3yo last season, going very close in this race (good) before winning the Group 1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot (6f, soft); hasn't hit the same heights this season but last month's third in a Group 3 at the Curragh (6f, good) was a major step back in the right direction and he may be able to build on it; he's one to consider.

7/1

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

2nd

2

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 5lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Splendid veteran showed he retained enthusiasm when winning the 7f Gladness Stakes in March, his ninth Curragh win on his 50th visit; found 5f too sharp at Naas last time; runs in this event for the fourth consecutive year, second at 25-1 in 2023, ninth in 2024, third behind James Delight at 33-1 last season; asking a lot now in a strong edition.

12/1

9th

1

(5)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Naas

Big Gossey

9st 12lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Charles O’Brien

Marvelous veteran showed he retained all his ability when winning for the eleventh time in the Listed Gladness Stakes at the Curragh (7f, sft-hvy) a month ago; however, has come up short in the last three renewals of this race and 5f probably sharp enough for him these days.

10/1

1st

3

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Big Gossey

9st 9lb

J: W J Lee

T: Charles O’Brien

Splendid veteran with eight Curragh wins to his name; thoroughly deserved his career highlight when beating a subsequent Classic winner in this race last year; has also produced many good displays in defeat here; showed plenty of zest with Dundalk second in December; eased when beaten on reappearance in the Irish Lincoln.

25/1

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

3rd

5

(9)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:12 Curragh

Spycatcher

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Gained sixth win of his career in a 6f listed heat at Doncaster (gd-sft) in March; best run since a 1.75l second behind Beauvatier in a Deauville Group 3 (6f, soft); beaten just 2l when fifth in this last year; needs the forecast rain to come, can go well if it does.

7/1

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

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

10th

2

(7)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Dundalk (AW)

Black Forza

10st 0lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: M D O’Callaghan

Won a Goodwood Group 2 last year before a 5.75l fourth of 6 in the Middle Park Stakes; sparingly raced this year, well beaten on return in a Curragh Group 3 in August; better effort over C&D latest (behind Songhai) but this demands more.

20/1

3

(5)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

17:35 Dundalk (AW)

Black Forza

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: M D O’Callaghan

Won a Goodwood Group 2 last season; not disgraced on ground plenty soft for him in the Middle Park last September; failed to beat a rival on sole start since at the Curragh; talented but probably best watched on AW debut.

7/1

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