GIVEN how well documented it is that British-trained sprinters have an excellent record in Irish group races and premier handicaps, it’s a surprise to see just one declared among a field of 11 for the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes (3.25) at the Curragh today.

That said, it will be a surprise if that one raider is beaten because the hat-trick seeking Commanche Falls sets a strong standard with his mark of 112, even with a penalty for his recent Group 3 success at Newbury.

“I was a bit surprised as well,” Dods told The Irish Field when asked about his horse being the only to travel from Britain. “There were a few entries, but it’s just us coming over. There aren’t exactly a lot of these types of races in supply over here.

“He’s in good form. He has got to carry a penalty and the Johnny Murtagh horse who was fourth at Newbury (Shartash) meets us on better terms but we’d be hoping the ground will dry up because he is better on better ground so we’ll just have to monitor the weather.”

Prior to this season, Commanche Falls had won the previous two renewals of the Stewards Cup at Goodwood but his good and consistent form this term has meant that handicaps are out of bounds.

“He was going to have 10st 6lb so he was never going to go back to Goodwood once he won at the Curragh, carrying that sort of weight,” said Dods.

“That’s why we went to Newbury and this race at the Curragh was always the plan after.

“We will see after Saturday but I think there is another race that he could go for at the Curragh and he’s also got an entry in Germany. We’ll just let him run in his races and see how he goes, hopefully he keeps on improving.”

As Dods pointed out, Shartash is 3lb better off with Commanche Falls for three-quarters of a length so may well have supporters today to reverse the form.

Ado McGuinness will be hoping for a bit better from Go Athletico, who was no match for Art Power over course and distance last time.