Minstrel Stakes Guide

1. Flight Risk

T - J S Bolger

J - Kevin Manning

Leading the field is the eight-year-old Flight Risk who failed to land the hat-trick at the Curragh last time out in the Listed Celebration Stakes over a mile.

He struck over today's distance at Leopardstown the start before in Group Three company, a venue he also scored at a week before over eight furlongs.

Seven seems his best, and is one of two course and distance winners in the field.

2. Gordon Lord Byron

T - T Hogan

J - Chris Hayes

The second with a bold 'CD' in his profile is the veteran Gordon Lord Byron who flies the flag for the pensioners.

This horse has been an absolute legends to his connections and trainer over the years - racing all around the world.

Would be a dream come true to win his 17th race on what will be his 100th career start.

3. Hey Gaman

T - James Tate

J - Frankie Dettori

Big player; unbeaten in two starts in 2019 including in a Group Three at Longchamp in May.

Bypassed any dates at Royal Ascot, and this looks the perfect destination to continue his four-year-old career, with trainer James Tate managing to book Frankie Dettori.

Very good chances over optimum trip.

4. Mr Lupton

T - Richard Fahey

J - Gary Halpin

Richard Fahey sends over Mr Lupton for a surprise trip over seven furlongs having been sprinting for his entire career.

This will be his first start further than six, and perhaps he needs the step-up after being completely outpaced in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle late June.

Probably best watched on this occasion.

5. Romanised

T - Ken Condon

J - W J Lee

Three good efforts this year and narrowly missing out on the places in each.

Began season fifth in the Gladness Stakes at Naas of what was a bunched finish, before producing his best in the closing stages of the Lockinge.

Again ran on strongly in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot - one-length-a-half behind Beat The Bank (second) who has come out and won since, so plenty to suggest he will improve once more.

6. Safe Voyage

T - John Quinn

J - Jason Hart

Arguably the most exciting horse in the field, Safe Voyage will look to continue his fine conversion rate on his first start in Ireland since winning a premier handicap at last year's Galway Festival.

He landed a hat-trick of wins at Haydock last month - all of which have been on varying ground, in tremendous style.

Major player here continuing over seven - drawn in stall one.

7. All The King's Men

T - Aidan O'Brien

J - Seamie Heffernan

First of the three-year-olds, All The King's Men is a son of No Nay Never, but has been on the losing trail for quite some time now.

Bar one second at Leopardstown at June, he has been out of sorts with unplaced efforts since prevailing at Navan in October, and may struggle to return to the top of the podium in this.

Against.

8. Dunkirk Harbour

T - Aidan O'Brien

J - Ryan Moore

Dunkirk Harbour bounced back to winning ways at Killarney this week, and could go well again just a few days later at the Curragh.

Did not show much as a juvenile, but broke his maiden third time lucky this year at Dundalk.

Never fired at Ascot, and this level may be rather steep, but may have got the hang of things now.

9. North Wind

T - Damian Joseph English

Likely outsider, finishing seventh at Cork on return in April.

Won once in nine starts when breaking his maiden at Naas, but hard to see him figure in this sort of field.

Colin Keane is the one plus, who has been in solid form of late.

10. San Andreas

T - Aidan O'Brien

J - Donnacha O'Brien

Drawn in two, San Andreas has taken a bit of a back-step in his last two outings at Leopardstown and at Navan latest.

He broke his maiden at Naas last year, but has raced against better horses since then.

Should be a tactically run race from Ballydoyle, and no surprise to see any of them prevail.