Kilternan Stakes(Group 3)

The Group 3 Kilternan Stakes over 1m 2f  is the first of three graded races on Saturdays Irish Champion Stakes card at Leopardstown. Ten runners go to post for what in truth is a weak looking contest for its class.

Tommy Stacks Irish 2000 Guinneas disappointment, Noll Wallop, is the one potential improver in the lineup and provided he handles the faster going, then he looks the one to beat. Twice successful over the Leopardstown turf, the High Chapparral gelding won a group 3 here on his seasonal return. While all his best form has been with give underfoot,connections are adament he will be seen to better effect on faster ground. The step up in class to group one company arguably found him out last time but back in this easier company he really should possess too much ability for the opposition.

Of that opposition, Dermot Welds ex French horse Cashelgar, and UK raider South Easter look the pick. The former has very useful form at listed/group level and ran an excellent second to Glass Harmonium at Ascot last season. He returns from a long absence here and may just be the better for the run. South Easter is a rare Irish runner for the shrewd William Haggas, and given the weak nature of the contest he could make his presence felt.

Summary: Noll Wallop is the one horse potentially capable of holding his own at a higher level and it will be disappointing if he cannot take this group 3 contest.

Posted by John on September 3, 2010. Filed under Race Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.