Kyprios Secures Second Saval Beg En Route To Ascot
Kyprios (7h Galileo – Polished Gem, by Danehill) remains odds-on for the Ascot Gold Cup after winning the Saval Beg Stakes for the second year in a row.
The multiple Group 1 winner made a successful seasonal return in last month’s Vintage Crop Stakes and was sent off favourite to follow up in Friday’s Group 3 at Leopardstown. Settled in third by Ryan Moore, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was asked to challenge before the two furlong pole and was ridden to lead a furlong later. Clear soon after, he kept on to score by a length and a half, with another length and a quarter back to Satin (Australia) in third.
“He did exactly as he always does and that should put him right for Ascot,” O’Brien later commented. “Ryan was happy that he did everything he asked of him. He’s an incredible horse really.”
Friday marked a 17th career success from 21 starts for Kyprios, who is owned by breeder Moyglare Stud Farm with Coolmore partners and Westerberg. The son of the late, great Galileo is a full-brother to three stakes horses, most notably dual Irish St Leger winner Search For A Song.