Kyprios passed all the exams this term, but a different kind of test for the remaining star of the season looms on September 11, as the focus is more on speed than endurance in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Stakes (G1) at the Curragh.
Of course you have to stay to win an Irish St Leger, but the Gold Cup (G1) was over 2 1/2 miles, and that’s six furlongs shorter at 1 3/4 miles. It will test his versatility, but you can’t argue with what he’s done over the past few months. He was flawless.
Ryan Moore knows the tenacious son of Galileo well and doesn’t think he’s just a plodor. He is convinced he has a lot of talent and has shown class on starts Stradivari at Goodwood last time. Running over two miles, he covered as well as he ever did on the straight, so maybe Kyprios has more pace than we think.
Moore said: “Kyprios hasn’t done anything wrong this year, he’s 4 for 4. I’ve been very happy with him in all his starts. A mile and six (stadia) at the Curragh is a different test, but I think it will suit him well, he is a simple and pleasant horse to ride.
“He’s got a big engine and stays great. He’s got a lot of class for those tough races. Anything you ask him, he gets an answer. He hangs his head and fights.”
Aidan O’Brien, seeking a sixth race win, reports that Kyprios is in poor health. He said: “Everything seems to be going well since Goodwood. Physically he’s done very well since then, we’re very happy with him. He’s coming back to a mile and six furlongs again, which was always the plan.”
O’Brien dispatched Order Of St George (IRE) to win the race in 2015 and 2017.
Winner of last year Search for a song runner-up on August 13 in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial Stakes, is among those preparing to face Kyprios in his fifth start of the season.
“I really think she has a great chance each way,” said jockey Chris Hayes. “I was pleased to see all the rain come in this week as I think she’s been claiming cuts in the ground all year. I think she’s going to run a great race.”
Tote.co.uk Proud to support Chester Racecourse winner Ormonde Stakes (G3) Hamich and 2020 Qatar Prix du Cadran (G1) winner Princess Zoe are also entered.
Tony Mullins, Princess Zoe’s trainer, said: “We can’t wait for all this rain to fall on Sunday. I’m going to do a rain dance. It’s going to help us and hopefully upset a few others. It looks like to the best Irishman St. Leger for years. Kyprios should be respected, but I’m also afraid of Hamish. It’s a very good race.”
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