Kinane: Born a bit short in the betting for what he’s achieved
Kinane won the colts’ Classic on four occasions during an illustrious riding career and was on board Sea The Stars when he emerged triumphant for trainer John Oxx and owner Christopher Tsui in 2009.
The son of Cape Cross followed up in the Investec Derby at Epsom and won a further four Group One prizes, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, during an incredible season which was to be the last of Kinane’s 34-year riding career.
His sibling, Born To Sea, sired by Invincible Spirit, ran out an impressive winner on his Curragh debut for Oxx and Tsui last September before being beaten as an odds-on shot at Leopardstown a month later.
A muscle injury was later blamed for the reverse and Born To Sea is third favourite on most books to strike at Headquarters on his seasonal return.
While Kinane has obvious allegiances to both Oxx and the horse, he admits he would not be backing him at the current odds.
“Born To Sea’s preparation has all gone according to plan, by all accounts, and the question with him is whether he is good enough,” said Kinane.
“On the evidence of his last run he isn’t, but there were excuses for that as he was found to be lame afterwards and he is unexposed and open to improvement.
“I think he’s a bit short in the betting for what he’s actually achieved.”
