Kyprios Brings Winning Ways Into Irish St. Leger

Kyprios  has passed every exam this term, but a different type of test for the staying star of the season looms Sep.t 11 as there is more of an emphasis on speed than stamina 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 this is six furlongs shorter at 1 3/4 miles. It will test his versatility, but you cannot argue with what he has done over the last few months. He has been flawless.

Ryan Moore knows the tenacious son of Galileo well and doesn't think he is simply a plodder. He's convinced he has lots of talent and displayed his class when seeing off Stradivarius  at Goodwood last time. Racing more than two miles, he traveled as well as he has ever done into the home straight, so perhaps Kyprios has more pace than we give him credit for. 

Moore said: "Kyprios has done nothing wrong this year, he's 4-for-4. I've been very happy with him on all his starts. A mile and six (furlongs) at the Curragh is a different test, but I think it will suit him well. He's an uncomplicated horse who is a pleasure to ride.

"He has a big engine and stays very well. He has plenty of class for these staying races. Everything you ask of him, he comes up with an answer. He puts his head down and fights."

Aidan O'Brien, searching for a sixth win in the race, reports Kyprios to be in rude health. He said: "Everything seems to be fine 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 sent out Order Of St George (IRE) to win the race in 2015 and 2017.

Last year's winner Search for a Song , second in the Aug. 13 Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial Stakes last out, is among those stepping up to face Kyprios in his fifth start of the season.

"I really think she's got a great each-way chance," reported jockey Chris Hayes. "I was delighted to see all the rain coming this week as I think she has been crying out for some cut in the ground all year. I think she'll run a big race."

Tote.co.uk Proud To Support Chester Racecourse Ormonde Stakes (G3) winner Hamish  and 2020 Qatar Prix du Cadran (G1) winner Princess Zoe  are also entered.

Tony Mullins, trainer of Princess Zoe, said: "We cannot wait for all this rain to fall on Sunday. I'll be doing a rain dance. It's going to help us and hopefully inconvenience a few others. It looks like the best Irish St. Leger for years. You'd have to respect Kyprios, but I'm afraid of Hamish too. It's a very good race."