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Review KILLARNEY 19-JUL-2000

Izmir turned the featured Great Southern Hotel Handicap into a rout, and greatly contributed to the jackpot pool of #5,000 being carried forward to the final day of the Festival.

Ross Geraghty, older brother of champion jump jockey Barry and partnering his first winner on the Flat, oozed confidence as the 4yo cruised to the front a furlong out.

The French import eased clear to beat No Avail by 2L, and trainer Edward O'Grady said: 'The fast ground made a difference, and he may go over hurdles at Galway.'

Duinin is still on course for the Plate (set to carry 9st 13lb) despite an expensive defeat in the 2m6f handicap hurdle.

Testify (Gary Hutchinson) stayed on well in the straight to repel the challenge of Tisrabraq by 2 1/2L, with Duinin (5/4f) keeping on onepaced 7L back in third.

Diamond Melody proved a credit to Tralee handler Tom Cooper when returning from injury to take the 2 1/2m handicap chase under Denis Leahy.

'He fractured a pelvis when falling at Navan in January. He has only been back cantering for 7 weeks but worked really well last week,' said Cooper.

Woodchester benefitted from the falls of Carrig House (3 out) and Kilcrea Gale (4 out) in the novice chase, holding on by 1/2L from the staying on Independence Day.

'He cost just #1,800 at Goffs in February, and subsequently won a point-to-point at Bartlemy,' said trainer Jimmy Mangan, who will bring the 7yo to Ballybrit.

Jayne Mulqueen (21) partnered her second winner when Stubbles stayed on best in the closing stages to touch off Silver Spray and Dromhall Lady in the 1m handicap.

'He needs at least 12 furlongs,' said Joe Crowley, representing his daughter Frances.

Gonemoggelease (Emmet Stack) headed the gambled-on Flying Boat (4/1-2/1f) inside the final furlong to take the claimer by 1 1/2L.

Mutahamis responded to a strong late drive from Fran Berry to snatch the spoils close home from Maradan in the concluding 2m1f maiden.