tracked leaders, led over 2f out, clear final furlong, easily
prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace and no impression inside final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always behind
chased leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace and no impression
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
A lot will depend on how ready Knight Valliant is for the task in hand on his debut, as he is certainly bred to appreciate this sort of trip. However, as that is a bit of a guessing game until we get some indication from the betting market, a chance is taken that Killybegs can improve from his debut to maintain his unbeaten status. Other previous winners Chris Corsa and Suhezy have to be considered as likely types. Suhezy has a fair bit of experience already and showed the benefit of the step up to this trip at Thirsk last month. However, this does look a fair bit tougher and he needs to be at his very best to prevail again. Chris Corsa also has a bit to prove regarding his ability to handle the firmer ground, as he relished the underfoot conditions when wading through the mud to score at Newcastle earlier in the month. That aside, Jamie Spencer is charged with doing the steering aboard the son of Mark Of Esteem and he will not go down for the want of assistance from the saddle. Therefore, we stick with Killybegs, who showed great promise on his introduction at Newmarket last month. The son of Orpen was very slowly away on that occasion but picked up pleasingly to score by half a length at the line. Killybegs is sure to have learnt plenty from that experience and, with the extra furlong in his favour, there are too many positives to ignore his claims today.
Killybegs (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Dwelt, behind, pushed along well over 2f out, switched left and headway over 1f out, ran on to lead well inside final furloong, won at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jul beating Live Fast (9-0) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Truly Fruitful (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Led, headed over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 12l behind Santiago Star (8-13) at Newmarket 7f 2yo hcp (4) gd.
Money Mate (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Always towards rear, last of 6, 25l behind Dream Fantasy (9-4) at Musselburgh 7f 2yo aut (5) gf in Jun.
In A Flash (IRE) 13-8fav (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden and edged left over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Blitzkrieg (9-0) at Epsom 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Knight Valliant Dansili gelding, half-brother to smart flat handicapper and hurdler Arcalis.
Springwood Blues (IRE) Bluebird filly, half-sister to 7f winner Glenviews Polly.
Chris Corsa 13-2 (9-0) Mid-division, headway 3f out, led 2f out, ridden out final furlong, won at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn aut (6) sft beating Awatuki (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Suhezy (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Led, headed over 2f out, ridden to lead again over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, won at Thirsk 7f 2yo clm (5) gd in Jul beating Roman History (8-13) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
