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Derby prospect Kenya too hot for Killavullan Stakes rivals

Aidan O'Brien has yet another potential Classic contender for 2018 on his hands after Kenya took the step up to Group Three company in his stride in the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown.

Just eight days on from a wide-margin Cork victory, the son of Galileo was given a positive ride by Donnacha O'Brien, who set sail for home early in the straight on the 7-4 favourite.

Mcmunigal tried to chase him down but stamina appears to be Kenya's forte and the market leader answered every question put to him by his rider to cross the line with a length in hand.

O'Brien said: "He improved from his first to his second run and obviously has again. Donnacha said he handles an ease in the ground and won't mind stepping up in trip.

"Donnacha said he was very happy with him and that he's a grand, big, genuine horse."

RaceBets gave the Galileo colt a quote of 33-1 for the Investec Derby, and O'Brien added: "I think he'll be one for a Derby trial, whether he runs in a Guineas trial we'll see, but Donnacha feels he'll have no problem with a mile and a quarter.

" I'd imagine that will be it for this year. Obviously things can change, but more than likely that will be it."


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