3 minute read
Ralph Beckett reports Kinross to be in "really good shape" heading into his bid for back-to-back wins in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot tomorrow.
Kinross has become something of a fan-favourite this season, with notable successes at Glorious Goodwood and York's Ebor meeting before going down fighting when bidding to retain his crown in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp last month.
The son of Kingman proved the drop back to six-furlongs to be no issue when landing the Group 1 season finale prize twelve months ago and connections will be hoping the short-priced market leader can go back-to-back.
Beckett said: "Winning Group 1's wherever they are is nice, but he likes it at Ascot, and he will like this ground,"
"He seems in really good shape so hopefully he will run well. Everything has gone very smoothly since France, and he's had no issues."
Kinross and Frankie Dettori have built up a formidable partnership since the horse was purchased by Hong Kong-based owner Marc Chan and it would prove a fitting end for Dettori, on what looks set to be his final appearance on a British racecourse, if the pair were to cross the line in front on Saturday.
"He's been a joy to train," added Beckett.
"They [Frankie and Kinross] may have a couple of more days together yet, but they understand each other and that is a key part of the horse's longevity. Frankie knows when to push the buttons on him and that really helps.
"Everyone who has ridden him will tell you he is a joy to ride."
Kinross won't be the only horse to relish in the testing conditions on the Ascot straight though, with the recent rain arrival music to the ears of those involved in Charlie Fellowes' Vadream.
A confirmed mud-lover, she shaped nicely when fifth in the Group 3 Bengough Stakes over course and distance on ground too quick and the Newmarket-based handler is hopeful she can produce another bold bid in the Group 1 prize.
"She loves Ascot, is in great order and this has been the plan for some time," said Fellowes.
"I thought her comeback run in the Bengough was absolutely spot-on and on ground, that was probably a touch too quick for her. I'm delighted with where she is at the moment."
Fellow challengers include the likes of impressive Group 3 Deauville winner Mill Stream, who was sixth in the Sprint Cup at Haydock in September and Rohaan, who bounced back to somewhere near his best when carrying top-weight to victory in a track and trip handicap fifteen days ago.
David Evans, trainer of Rohaan, said: "It's taken a long time to get him back from the injury he had, and I think every race he has had this season he has got a bit more confidence,"
"I think he's nearly back to how he was last year and apart from Kinross the race looks wide open, I think.
"He's only really disappointed once which was in this race two years back when it was really gluey ground, and he couldn't get out of it.
"We're looking forward to it and he won well last time which paid for his chance and we'll enjoy the day out, I think. We've got a good jockey [Ryan Moore] on his back as well which is always a bonus."
The fitting of a visor has seen Sandrine bounce back to form in recent outings and she will be now looking to build on her latest triumph in the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at Doncaster last month.
Andrew Balding's charge won the Group 3 Albany Stakes over course and distance as a juvenile and will have no problem with the forecast conditions.
"Sandrine is right back to her best and she hasn't had a hard season," said Balding.
"The visor she's worn at York and Doncaster the last twice has made a big difference, and six furlongs with a bit of give in the ground is ideal for her."
Kinross is a joint-best-priced 13/8 with Paddy Power to land the Group 1 British Champions Sprint, with the well-backed Vadream next in the market at 6/1 for the same firm.
