Byron can Lord it over rivals in Champions Sprint

Gordon Lord Byron looks decent value to come on top in a rematch with G Force in today’s QIPCO British Champions Sprint at Ascot (2.20).

The pair met in last month’s Betfred Sprint Cup at Hyadock, when G Force swooped late to get up and deny Gordon Lord Byron by 3/4 of a length.

The Tom Hogan trained gedling now meets the winner on 1lb better terms, but more importantly has the soft ground that he relishes.

The six-year-old ran is at his best when there is cut in the ground, as he showed when running out the impressive winner of the 2013 running of the Sprint Cup when forging clear to beat Slade Power by three lengths.

The runner-up has since gone on to develop into one of the best sprinters in Europe this season, winning the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee at Ascot and the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket.

That gives the form a rock solid look, and Gordon Lord Byron traditionally comes good at this time of the year.

The son of Byron will also appracite the dop back down to 6f following a cracking run to finish runner-up to Olympic Glory in the Gorup 1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp earlier in the month, and everything points to s huge run.

G Force is the obvious one to beat, but the David O’Meara trained three-year-old has had a hard season and is unproven on ground as testing as it will be today.

For me that is enough to take him on, and Gordon Lord Byron looks the one to do it with.

Away from the “big two”, Jack Dexter could go well at a big price.

The Jim Goldie trained gelding developed into a very useful sprinter last season and hinted at a return to form last time out when eighth under a big weight in the Ayr Gold Cup on quick ground.

The five-year-old will appreciate a return to a softer surface ,and if he can build on that effort is capable of throwing a spanner in the works in the hands of Graham Lee.