Cox decided to put Kerdos into the Flying Five Stakes race

Kerdos will focus on the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh after connections decided to bypass York.

The son of Profitable was initially entered in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday but was withdrawn at the confirmation stage. Trainer Clive Cox chose instead to target the Irish race.

The four-year-old previously defeated Royal Ascot winner Asfoora in the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock. However, Asfoora gained revenge at Royal Ascot by winning the King Charles III Stakes, with Kerdos finishing fifth, three and a quarter lengths behind. In their subsequent meeting at the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood, Kerdos finished just two lengths behind Asfoora, who was narrowly beaten by Big Evs.

Cox has opted for the Curragh due to concerns over the firmer ground expected at York. He commented, “Kerdos will head to the Flying Five in Ireland. He’s in good form, but with the ground likely to be quicker at York, we’ve decided on this route. We’re pleased with him and are focusing on the Flying Five.”