KPMG For JFK; WTS

Another of Leopardstown’s races to benefit from a facelift, Saturday’s G3 Kilternan S.–or KPMG Enterprise S.–has played host to the likes of Await the Dawn (Giant’s Causeway) and Free Eagle (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) in recent times, and like that duo ‘TDN Rising Star’ John F Kennedy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is attempting to re-establish a lofty early reputation. Impressive when taking the Golden Fleece on this card 12 months ago, Susan Magnier’s colorbearer was a deflating last of the trio that took part in the G3 Ballysax S. over 10 furlongs at this track Apr. 12 prior to an even worse effort when again beating no rivals when seventh in the G2 Dante S. at York May 14. Rested and brought back up to speed subsequently, he has a point to prove but is yet another who would not want the ground to worsen considerably. Newtown Anner Stud’s homebred Fascinating Rock (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) offers the benchmark to aim at, having finished second in the May 24 G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh, but he needs to rebound from a rare below-par showing when fifth in the G3 Winter Hill S. over 10 furlongs at Windsor Aug. 29. One who could be a factor with question marks over the two leading protagonists is Team Valor’s likeable character Panama Hat (GB) (Medicean {GB}), and he at least comes into this on the back of a career-best effort when runner-up in the GIII American St Leger at Arlington Aug. 15.