Blinkers do the trick for Kitten

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen teamed up to take the three-year-olds’ mile handicap with 14/1 chance Lucky Kitten

The first-time blinkered gelding was patiently ridden on his handicap debut by the former champion, who elected to challenge on the wide outside in the straight.

He took a while to respond after Smullen produced the whip but really got on top inside the final 100 yards to win going away by three and a quarter lengths. Lake Louise backed on track from 8/1 down to 5/1 favourite, filled the runner-up spot with Kiss Goodnight (25/1) another half-length away in third.

Weld said, “He battled away. They went pretty quick which suited and he came home well. He ran a reasonable race last time, and he ran well when fourth at the Curragh on his final outing as a juvenile. Pat taking his time when they went quick helped his cause.”

Smullen also commented, “The penny is only dropping with him now, and he was a bit green early. The ground is a bit fresher on the outside close to the chase course.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson