Lord on track for Sapphire

DESERT Lord will bid for his first Group-race success since winning the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in 2006 when he lines up for Sunday’s William Fry Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh.

Kevin Ryan’s speedster finished last in France at the start of the month but previously took a creditable third behind Fleeting Spirit in the Temple Stakes at Haydock.

“We’re planning to go to the Curragh on Sunday,” confirmed North Yorkshire-based Ryan. “I’ve been delighted with him this season and he seems in good order at the moment.