Irish raider is the Star turn for Kinane

May 3 2009

MICK KINANE powered Sea The Stars to victory in a pulsating 2000 Guineas at Newmarket yesterday - and the Irish colt leapt to the top of the Derby betting.

Trainer John Oxx was landing the first Classic of the season for Ireland for the fourth time in five years.

Sea The Stars (8-1), thought likely to be best when tackling trips in excess of a mile, also showed he has plenty of speed by beating Brian Meehan's 3-1 favourite Delegator by a length and a half.

Jim Bolger's Gan Amhras (15-2) took third, three-quarters of a length behind, with Aidan O'Brien's Rip Van Winkle finishing strongly for fourth.

Improve

Sea The Stars was immediately cut to 5-1 from 10-1 for the Derby and Oxx, winning the 2000 for the first time, said: "The rising ground suited him and he really got home well."

Kinane said: "I've always had great belief in this horse. He can only improve."

Meehan was proud in defeat and said: "He's run a cracker against two very good horses.

Bolger said: "Kevin Manning is certain he'll be suited by further- that was a Derby trial."