'I think he's the real deal' - Sheila Lavery on her 2,000 Guineas hope

Group 3 Richmond Homes Killavullan Stakes | 7f | RTV

Won last year by Poetic Flare, the Killavullan Stakes has a history of being contested by future top-notchers with Footstepsinthesand and Grey Swallow also featuring on the roll of honour.

The race went through something of a lull before Poetic Flare but this year's running has attracted a decent bunch of juveniles with Aidan O'Brien triple-handed in his bid to win the race for a 13th time.

O'Brien's challenge would appear to be spearheaded by Glounthaune, who was a respectable sixth in the Dewhurst last week off the back of a break.

The Acropolis and Howth make up the Ballydoyle challenge but this represents a drop in class for Glounthaune, who accounted for Castle Star when winning his maiden at the Curragh on debut back in April.

New Energy is one of the more interesting colts in opposition. The Sheila Lavery-trained son of New Bay looked a potentially smart horse when winning his maiden in superb style on debut at the Curragh.

He may lack experience but possesses a decent engine and could develop into a smart colt.

Dermot Weld has a good record in this race and his Homeless Songs is one of two fillies in the line-up and returns to the scene of her impressive course-and-distance maiden win.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Confident Star should not be underestimated and is an improving colt who will handle an ease.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Glounthaune, Howth and The Acropolis
The Dewhurst was a messy race and Glounthaune got caught down the middle of them. He was just a little bit green in amongst them. We think he has learned from the experience and hope he can run a nice race. Howth ran a good race the last day and is back to seven furlongs. The Acropolis has always been a very good work horse. He has had a little break since the last day and seems to be in very good form.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Confident Star
He's improving. I hope the ground will be easy for him. I think Leopardstown will suit him nicely and he seems to be in great form. He has got a lot more relaxed than he was and we're hopeful of a big run.

Eddie Lynam, trainer of Jack Rose
He was impressive at Dundalk but this is a huge step up in class. He seems well and we'll give it a go.

Sheila Lavery, trainer of New Energy
He's really good and deserves to take his chance. There are some serious horses with serious experience in there, but you'd be sick having him sitting at home and not taking his chance. I think he's the real deal but he'll be a lot greener than the others. He'll be a mile and a quarter horse in time, but he's in the Guineas and that will be his aim for the spring.

Next race off:

3.50 Ascot: Champion Stakes: Appleby, Gosden and Haggas on their leading Group 1 contenders

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