Juddmonte clash whets Kinane's appetite As one of the most successful jockeys to have graced the sport, Mick Kinane knows exactly what is required to succeed at the top level. Just one of the races the Irishman enjoyed some magical moments in during his illustrious career was the Juddmonte International at York, winning the Group One prize on no fewer than three occasions. Giving him his final taste of victory in the extended 10-furlong contest was the majestic Sea The Stars, who claimed the Knavesmire jewel in what was to be a sensational 2009 season, alongside victories in the 2000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and the Arc. With this year's renewal drawing together Derby and Eclipse hero Golden Horn and Irish and English 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles in a 'race of the season' clash, there are few better placed than Kinane to give judgement on how events will unfold. He said: "It is a clash that really whets the appetite. It is what racing is all about, great horses that are champions over two different distances like this clashing. "One thing that is for sure is we will know the champion three-year-old after Wednesday. "I've had a few great rides in the race and it is the time of year they are finding their way, with the established better horses taking on each other. It is always a top race." Having spent several years as number one jockey to Aidan O'Brien, a vote for Gleneagles would come as little surprise, but with his stamina yet to be tested over such a distance, Kinane believes it is hard to get away from Golden Horn preserving his unbeaten status. He said: "With the pacemaker (Dick Doughtywylie) in the race for Golden Horn that makes it very straightforward for him as he will bring Frankie (DettorI) as far as he can down the straight. "He will be the one to make the first move as his horse has stamina in abundance and he will try to get Gleneagles at it and get him into unknown territory and out of his comfort zone. "Stamina will get asked at York as they get racing a long way out, but it is a very fair track and one of the best there is. "It is a question of if Gleneagles will stay, so I would go for the favourite as he is proven over the track and distance, his stamina is assured and he is a straightforward horse. Like Sea The Stars, he is a very good horse and has taken a similar route to him. "He looks a very straightforward, genuine horse that is sound in both mind and body." Although seen in many quarters as a two-horse showdown, there is every chance one of the supporting cast could gatecrash the party, such is the quality of the field. One in particular Kinane believes poses a real threat is the Roger Charlton-trained Time Test, last seen posting a facile victory in the Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot. He said: "The Khalid Abdullah colt (Time Test) is a very good horse. He looks very exciting."
