Kylecrue© Photo Healy Racing
The John Ryan-trained Kylecrue produced a determined front-running performance to land his second pot of the week at Listowel in the Southampton Goodwill Chase. The Game Changer proved very easy to back in the two-and-a-half mile contest despite appearing well clear on ratings and went to post 11/8 favourite having been a 2/5 shot in the morning.
He gave backers an early scare with a mistake at the second and failed to impress with his jumping afterwards, finding little when asked for an effort three from home.
Gordon Elliott 's charge was later reported to be blowing hard post race and Bryan Cooper also reported that he made a respiratory noise in running.
Kylecrue wasn't great at the sixth and fifth last fences but stuck on gamely when asked for an effort by Danny Mullins turning for home and was left clear two from home when stable-mate Draycott Place blundered away Donagh Meyler. Pumbaa stayed on to give chase in the closing stages but could only get within four-lengths of the 2/1 winner. The Game Changer came home in a distant third.
Kylecrue had also won on the opening day of the festival when claiming the Kerry Group Handicap Chase. It was a third course and distance success for the gelding.
"I think he'd have been a real player in the Kerry National on Wednesday but unfortunately he missed the cut by one. It's a good consolation to get a win here and to win twice in the week is great,” said Ryan.
"He might go for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham's Open meeting next if he gets into it.
"Draycott Place is a lovely horse but had been out of form all year. He had his palate done and it's only now he's blooming. He'll go to Sligo for a 0-130 chase next."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
