Killavullan Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 1m 37.16s

(4)

Geometrical³⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 103

2/1

Impressive maiden win at 1m and built on that with 2L third in Group 2 before finding Pinatubo and company too good in the National Stakes. Closely matched in two previous runs with Iberia and proven on soft ground.

Form: 02136

(3)

Iberia²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 104| D

6/4

The score stands at 1-1 in previous runs against Geometrical and improved again when third in the Royal Lodge Stakes since. This will be the softest ground he has encountered but obvious form claims if handling it.

Form: 1753

(5)

Camachita⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-0| J: A J Slattery| T: J P Murtagh| OR: 89| D

8/1

Deservedly off the mark in Dundalk maiden at this trip last week and her second in a nursery prior to that showed she copes with soft ground but this a big step up and has something to find.

Form: 42821

(1)

Katiba²⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-0| J: O J Orr| T: D K Weld

3/1

Well backed when making winning debut in big field at The Curragh on heavy ground last month over 1m. Quickly up to Group company and dropping down a furlong may not be ideal but interesting prospect going forward.

Form: 1

(2)

Stela Star²²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-0| J: Colin Keane| T: T Mullins| OR: 78| D

33/1

Some ability in turf maidens but took a step forward when getting off the mark in Dundalk maiden last month but this is a different task for a filly rated just 78 and she has plenty to find with all her rivals.

Form: 741

Forecasts

Iberia (6/4), Geometrical (2/1), Katiba (3/1), Camachita (8/1), Stela Star (33/1)

Katiba is a filly with plenty of promise but at this stage of their careers this is likely to be a duel between the two colts with prove group form, and with his ability to cope with soft ground assured GEOMETRICAL is narrowly preferred to Iberia.