towards rear, driven over 4f out, never dangerous
took keen hold to lead, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace final 2f
held up, pushed along over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
towards rear, driven and headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
started slowly, soon prominent, chased along and lost ground over 4f out
prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
Kylkenny can get the better of Cordier and his old rival Bethanys Boy, who are expected to provide the sternest challenges. Cordier is lightly raced and has scope to improve now that he has proved himself over this trip. However, he does need to prove he handles this surface and, having gone up 6lb in the ratings for a one-length defeat of a 70-rated opponent, he doesn't appear especially well handicapped at present. The market will be the best guide towards any stable confidence behind his claims. Bethanys Boy returned top form on his penultimate start and has a chance if repeating that effort today. However, he was no match for Kylkenny when they met here 19 days ago and he needs to pull something out of the hat to reverse the form. Greenbelt is also worth a mention, as he has been in good heart lately and is also open to improvement at the trip. Nevertheless, Kylkenny has an air of 'been there, done that' about him in this company and has been well placed to give his connections a pay-day before he a possible return to claiming company in the near future. Which would no doubt be a most appreciated gesture by his former owners.
Kylkenny 4-7fav (9-5) Held up, took closer order 5f out, led over 3f out, comfortably, won at Southwell 1m 4f clm (6) fbs in Feb beating Mi Odds (8-12) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
Bethanys Boy (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (8-6) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 9, 3l behind Pass The Port (8-9) at Southwell 1m 4 hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Cordier 50-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, led after 1f, ridden over 2f out, kept on ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb beating Tranquilizer (8-10) by 1l, 11 ran.
Kristensen 11-1 (9-6) Pushed along towards rear, ridden and headway over 3f out, went 3rd over 1f out, no impression, 4th of 6, 11l behind Circassian (10-0) at Beverley 2m hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Llamadas 33-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead post, won at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb beating Montosari (8-9) by a shd, 12 ran.
Greenbelt 11-4fav (9-3) Led after 1f, ridden over 2f out, edged right inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 8, shd behind Desperation (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.
Siena Star (IRE) 33-1 (9-5) Always towards rear, 12th of 13, 9l behind Blue Bajan (8-8) at Bath 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Oct.
He's A Star 6-1 (8-9) Prominent, ridden to lead well over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong, won at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Feb beating Trance (9-10) by a nk, 7 ran.
