Gordon Lord tries again in the Renaissance Gordon Lord Byron makes a quick return to action in the Renaissance Stakes at Naas on Sunday following his latest jaunt overseas. The sturdy 10-year-old bids to open his account for 2018 in this Group Three heat, just eight days after his trip to Prague where he finished fifth in the EJC Leram Million. Tom Hogan reports his stable stalwart to have come out of the race, and the travelling, in good shape. “He’s come back from Prague in good form. He ate up when he got back and seems well in himself,” said the County Tipperary trainer. “He needs good ground to be at his best these days. Unfortunately it rained in Prague and the ground got a little loose on top so he couldn’t get any traction.” Karl Burke is hoping Unfortunately can put what has been a disappointing season so far behind him. Winner of the Group One Prix Morny last summer, the son of Society Rock has failed to reach the frame in all his five subsequent starts. However, Burke retains faith in his colt as he goes for back-to-back victories in this race after Quiet Reflection did the business 12 months ago. “He goes over there in good form, but we’ve been saying that all season,” said the North Yorkshire handler. “He’s let us down a little, but the race has broken up a bit and we go there hopeful. We could have done with a little bit more rain but he’s run well on good, fast ground before so fingers crossed he can redeem himself on Sunday. “He’s still showing plenty of ability at home. He only got beat four lengths at Royal Ascot (in the Commonwealth Cup) on ground that would have been much too quick for him and he was given a tender ride. “A couple of times things just haven’t gone right for him. Maybe we can do a Quiet Reflection and get his head in front like we did with her last year.” Aidan O’Brien’s St Patrick’s Day and Denise Foster’s Julia’s Magic are the other three-year-olds in the line-up, with Fas, St Brelades Bay and Amthaal completing the seven-runner field.
