Ger Lyons' Babouche takes on the boys in Phoenix Stakes

Five years on from landing the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh with Siskin, Ger Lyons and owners Juddmonte are back for more with the high-class filly Babouche.

Siskin of course would go on to scoop Classic honours as a three-year-old and they look to have another top prospect on their hands in the daughter of Kodiac, who has successfully taken on the colts once already this season.

After opening her account in style at Cork in June, she marched on to the Anglesey Stakes last month, where she kept on gamely to see off Camille Pissarro by half a length.

With Group Three honours secured on that occasion, Babouche now takes the step up to the highest level bidding to become the first filly since La Collina in 2011 to scoop the prestigious juvenile contest.

Lyons said: "I'm looking forward to it and if she’s placed in the first three, we’re delighted.

"We can then decide if we stay at the trip for the Cheveley Park or go to the Moyglare.

"She’s a horse I’ve always liked and if you like them, you can’t be afraid to get beat."

Babouche is not the only filly in the line-up, with Aidan O’Brien’s Heavens Gate making a swift return to the track having landed the valuable Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas on Monday.

She also has some smart form against her own sex at both Royal Ascot and Newmarket to her name, but chief Ballydoyle hopes belong with Whistlejacket.

The mount of Ryan Moore let favourite-backers down when sent off a well-fancied market leader for the Norfolk Stakes at the Royal meeting, but produced a picture-perfect display when upped to six furlongs for the July Stakes, making all for a cosy victory at Newmarket.

"He’s in good form and everything has gone well with him since the last day," said O’Brien.

"We’re happy