Aidan O'Brien confirmed his Coventry Stakes winner Fasliyev is on course for Sunday's Group 1 Heinz 57 Phoenix Stakes despite the likelihood of fast ground at Leopardstown.

The going at the Foxrock track was firm yesterday before watering began on the sprint course and with only a slight possibility of showers before the weekend, the forecast is for a good to firm surface.

That didn't shake O'Brien's resolution to run his unbeaten colt in Europe's first Group 1 for two year olds this season.

Successful with Lavery in the six furlong race last year, O'Brien said yesterday: "The plan is to run Fasliyev and I don't think fast ground will bother him. He is a great moving horse and we have been very happy with him since Ascot."

The Ballydoyle two-year-olds have been in unstoppable form this season and O'Brien is almost certain to run more than one horse in the Heinz.

It will not be the impressive Naas scorer Giants Causeway however, as that colt, already quoted at 25/1 for the 2,000 Guineas, is being aimed instead at York's Acomb Stakes. The filly Warrior Queen will take her chance in the Lowther Stakes on the Knavesmire but no concrete plans have been made for the Gimcrack Stakes.

O'Brien is considering running Bianconi in Sunday's Group 3 Phoenix Sprint for which Nigrasine and Eastern Purple are already confirmed runners from England.

Less positive news from England regarding the Heinz is that Jeremy Noseda, who had Sir Nicholas and Victory Day in the race, will not be represented.