English/Ire
Mount Kilimanjaro swoops late to give O’Brien record-breaking Dee Stakes success
Mount Kilimanjaro came from out of the clouds to give Aidan O’Brien a record-breaking twelfth success in the Dee Stakes at Chester.
Despite being beaten at odds of 1/4 on his return to action at Dundalk in March, Mount Kilimanjaro was sent off the even-money favourite to find his best form, which features a victory in the valuable Haras de Bouquetot Criterium d'Automne before finishing runner-up to stablemate Twain in the Criterium International at Longchamp.
Victory didn't always look likely for the son of Siyouni, who was well off the searching pace set by Great David as field set off for an extended ten furlongs.
Andrew Balding's impressive Newmarket debut winner High Stock got a dream run around the inside to strike the front, but all the while Ryan Moore was in full drive, gradually cutting into the deficit.
Despite hanging left-handed in the straight, Mount Kilimanjaro continued to bridge the gap and under a determined Moore ride, he finished off strongly to deny High Stock by a neck. Great David finished back in third.
An Aidan O'Brien-trained Dee Stakes winner is yet to go on to taste Epsom Derby glory, although Mount Kilimanjaro was cut to a general 20/1 for the Epsom Classic.
Speaking to At The Races, Paul Smith, son of co-owner Derrick, said: "It was a great ride by Ryan, he was very patient. I think the pace was very honest. Ryan didn't panic and the horse quickened up well and showed a nice attitude.
"As we've always said, they learn so much here – it's almost like they have two races in one. He'll come forward again from this, so we're delighted with him.
"I think he'll go for a Derby of some sorts, either Epsom or the French Derby was mentioned as well. There are options for him, and we'll just see how the trials go and juggle them and see where they all go."
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