Mull Of Killough all good to win Royal Hunt Cup, says Shane Kelly
Jockey Shane Kelly believes that Jane Chapple-Hyam’s six-year-old, Mull Of Killough, is in good position to win the Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap), being held at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, June 20th.
Kelly rode the gelding in the William Hill Lincoln (Heritage Handicap) at Doncaster, where he missed the crown only by a short head’s distance. After such a tremendous effort, the Invictus-owned failed to perpetuate his good work and disappointed his supporters
at Newbury in April.
Berry Bros & Rudd Magnum Spring Cup (Handicap) saw him failing to make an impression in the early stages and as a result, he had no chance of securing a notable spot on the table.
Not saddened by his runner’s recent poor show, Kelly said that Mull Of Killough is in fine shape and holds a good chance in the class 2 meeting at Ascot.
"He's got the right sort of attitude for that sort of hurly-burly race. I think he stays the trip well and the ground shouldn't bother him," the jockey told At The Races.
He continued: "He ran a great race in the Lincoln and arguably I was unlucky not to win. I thought he had a right chance going to Newbury, but it just never really happened. I had a sit on him last week, he looks great and seems in good form."
In pursue of a cash prize worth £77,813, thirty runners will compete in the 1-mile event. Captain Bertie, Dimension and Edinburgh Knight have been declared co-favourites, but with such a heavy line-up, an upset cannot be ruled out.
Andrew Balding’s trainee, Arabian Star, will come out in search of his hat-trick after two brilliant victories at Newmarket. On his seasonal debut last month, the four-year-old did not face any trouble to beat his opponents in the class 3 Racing UK Handicap.
David Probert, who rode Arabian Star on his most recent outing, is expecting the gelding to continue his good run, adding that the surface will not be an issue for his runner.
The jockey said: "He won very well at Newmarket the last day and I think he'd have a good chance."
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