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Kerdos triumphed in Saturday’s Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock Park and booked a ticket to Royal Ascot.

In a race which included international interest in the shape of Australian contender Asfoora, the Clive Cox-trained Kerdos was relatively unfancied in the market behind last year's Nunthorpe hero Live In The Dream and soft ground specialist Vadream.

Unsurprisingly, front runner Live In The Dream set a fast early pace under regular jockey Sean Kirrane, and Richard Kingscote was able to settle Kerdos near the rear of the field in the opening quarter. Asfoora came with a promising challenge with two furlongs to run, but Kingscote quickly switched Kerdos to the right to gain some running room and powered past the pair to secure a half-length victory. Live In The Dream stayed on well for second and Seven Questions snatched third from Asfoora in the dying strides of the race.

In a post race interview with ITV, Richard Kingscote said: "Clive asked me to ignore his Newmarket run, didn't really like coming into the dip. As usual, Clive was correct!

"He was a little keen for a furlong in daylight, once I got behind the leader, he dropped his head lovely – as you can see, he's a big powerful horse – just needed to get in that rhythm. Once I'd pushed the buttons, he responded really well.

"I think six (furlongs) is possible. He's still progressing. I think if we can get that first furlong a little bit nicer for him, I think six would be within him.

"The owner said if we go well here, we'd be able to take him to Ascot and Clive is planning the same route as he did with Profitable, his sire, and he knows what he's up to."

Paddy Power shortened Kerdos from 50/1 to 25/1 for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.