Tag Archive for: Kinross

Sprint contests unlikely for Kinross going forwards

Kinross looks set to stick to longer trips next season after coming up short in his bid for a second victory in the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday.

Ralph Beckett’s stable stalwart has enjoyed another fine campaign, wrestling back his crown in the Park Stakes at Doncaster before finding only Ramatuelle too strong when aiming to do the same in the Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp.

The seven-year-old was a 7-2 favourite to successfully drop back down to six furlongs on Champions Day, but was beaten just under four lengths into seventh place and connections feel that while he may have lost some of his old dash, his enthusiasm remains undimmed.

“We were pleased with his run, six furlongs is just probably too sharp for him now and maybe next year we’ll stretch him out to a mile,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to owner Marc Chan.

“Like always, we’ll take each race as it comes, but he’s fine after the race and he can have a good holiday and you’ll probably see him start off somewhere in June next year.

“We’re at the stage of his career where every race is a bonus. He’s got the enthusiasm for it for sure, but he hasn’t got the legs for that six furlongs any more, that was the problem on Saturday.

“He wasn’t distressed afterwards and was happy, so all is good.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Kinross aiming to reclaim Champions Sprint crown

Kinross has the chance to prove age is just a number and keep Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan’s hot streak going when he attempts to regain the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

The Kimpton Down stalwart took home this prize as the final leg of a fantastic four-timer during his brilliant 2022 campaign and was the 5-4 favourite to retain his crown when thwarted by a neck in the race 12 months ago.

The evergreen seven-year-old is amongst the leading protagonists once again having won the Park Stakes at Doncaster in September before going down valiantly to an on-song Ramatuelle in the Prix de la Foret earlier this month.

Those performances prove Kinross is still firing on all cylinders and his Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning rider is once again looking forward to being aboard Marc Chan’s popular gelding.

“He ran a super race in France and he just bumped into a really good filly,” said Ryan, who has partnered Kinross on all but one occasion this season following Frankie Dettori’s relocation to America.

“When the ground goes that bad on Arc day and it’s one of the last races, giving all the weight away was a big ask, especially in his older days.

“If he is going to Ascot, he will be 110 per cent right, he’s that sort of customer and he won’t be turning up just to make up the numbers.

“All credit has to go to Ralph and the team, they are the ones who deserve all the praise, as they are the ones to have wrapped him up in cotton wool – and he still hasn’t lost his mojo and it’s great to see.”

Kinross (right) had to settle for second last year
Kinross (right) had to settle for second last year (John Walton/PA)

Tim Easterby’s reopposing Art Power denied Kinross in 2023, but it is William Haggas’ Sprint Cup champion Montassib who Ryan sees as the main danger, while also giving a nod to Mick Appleby’s Annaf, a horse he knows well having ridden him to a valuable sprint win in Saudi Arabia in February.

“It’s an open division, but I think we all might have to do a bit to get to Montassib, as I was very taken by him in the Haydock sprint,” continued Ryan.

“I also wouldn’t rule out Annaf and I know it’s going to be testing, but I wouldn’t be ruling him out easily to be in the frame. He’s a good horse and you could argue he’s needed his first two runs back. There’s an engine in there but we will see.”

Montassib is one of two in the race for the Somerville Lodge team, with the Haydock hero joined by Wokingham scorer Unequal Love, who was behind her stablemate in third on Merseyside last month.

Haggas said: “Montassib ran well at Haydock. I just can’t get him, really. Since I dropped him back to six, he’s been very good, but he keeps pricking his ears when he gets to the front and you always think when they do that, they have a bit left. I don’t know how much left there is.

Montassib scooped top honours at Haydock
Montassib scooped top honours at Haydock (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Unequal Love ran a great race at Haydock. I’d be concerned about really soft ground for her, but she’s got nothing else, she’s going to stay in training, so she’s going to run whatever. Hopefully it will be fun.”

Joining Unequal Love in donning the Cheveley Park Stud silks is John and Thady Gosden’s Lockinge winner Audience, who drops back in trip, while splitting the Haggas duo at Haydock in the Sprint Cup was Kind Of Blue, who has been knocking on the door in some of the season’s biggest sprint events.

The son of Blue Point makes his first start for new owners Wathnan Racing and is bidding to become trainer James Fanshawe’s third winner of the race.

“Kind Of Blue is out of a sister to Deacon Blues, who won the first Qipco British Champions Sprint, and a half-sister to The Tin Man, who won the race in 2016,” explained Fanshawe.

“They were both four-year-olds when they won the race and Kind Of Blue is only three but he’s by Blue Point and a big, strong colt, hopefully with a bright future.”

Mill Stream won the July Cup at Newmarket
Mill Stream won the July Cup at Newmarket (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

Jane Chapple-Hyam elected to miss the Haydock Group One with July Cup winner Mill Stream, a decision that could be vindicated when he makes his first start since August in the hands of William Buick.

She said: “I think his form is as good as any and he goes there in very good order. He’ll be doing his best and I think he’s good value.

“We are lucky to have William again. He’s my super-sub. He came in for Saffron Beach and he’s come in for Mill Stream. We call him when we need him!”

Karl Burke saddled Spycatcher and Swingalong to finish third and fourth respectively last year and both are back for another crack at the six-furlong contest, joined by stablemate Elite Status, twice a winner at Newbury this season.

The latter will be ridden by Clifford Lee, who is hopeful of a big performance following a recent gallop at Southwell.

He said: “Elite Status has been a great horse for the stable this year and he is going there in top form.

“He went to Southwell for a gallop last week just to blow the cobwebs out and he’s in good order.

“The ground at Haydock last time was probably too soft and I hope it’s not too soft again on Saturday. The way it’s looking, that could be the case and we just hope he will run well.”

Flying the flag for France is Yann Barberot’s ultra-consistent Beauvatier, who drops back in trip having finished a place behind Kinross in third at ParisLongchamp earlier this month.

Meanwhile, representing Ireland is Ken Condon’s Moss Tucker and Adrian Murray’s Bucanero Fuerte, with the latter hoping to regain the form that saw him scoop Group One honours at two.

“He’s in good order, two weeks ago he was in some serious order and hopefully he’s as good as he was then,” said Murray.

“We were all saying that if the race was two weeks ago, he’d have been in serious nick, but he’s still in good form and hopefully he’ll run a big race.

“The five furlongs was just a bit sharp for him (last time out), he was on his head, and the stiff six would suit him better. He won’t mind the ground at all, he’s won on that before.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Fallen Angel out to make up for lost time in Opera

Karl Burke’s Classic heroine Fallen Angel puts her stamina to the test as she steps up in trip for the Prix de l’Opera Longines on Sunday.

The daughter of Too Darn Hot was a beaten favourite in the 1000 Guineas earlier in the year, but quickly made up for that disappointment when claiming the Irish equivalent at the Curragh, confirming the promise of her high-class juvenile form.

A setback kept her on the sidelines for Royal Ascot and all of the summer’s feature attractions, but she made an extremely positive return behind Porta Fortuna when second in the Matron Stakes.

That was her first run in the colours of new owners Wathnan Racing and a performance that encouraged connections to now move up in distance and test the waters at 10 furlongs.

Fallen Angel after winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas earlier in the year
Fallen Angel after winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas earlier in the year (Healy Racing/PA Wire)

“Going up in trip is going to be the big question, but everyone in the team feels that will really suit her,” said Richard Brown, racing adviser for the owners.

“It was a great comeback run in the Matron and we were delighted with that having been off a fair while and we’re looking forward to seeing her up in trip.

“The ground will be on the soft side and she will enjoy that. James (Doyle) said you can do what you want with her, put her where you want in a race, she’s just a complete pro and that is going to stand her in good stead for a big day.”

There is a strong cast of rivals in opposition, with Aidan O’Brien set to field Matron fourth Ylang Ylang and Yorkshire Oaks scorer Content, while Patrice Cottier will saddle his Prix de Diane champion Sparkling Plenty.

Sparkling Plenty (right) running at Goodwood earlier in the season
Sparkling Plenty (right) running at Goodwood earlier in the season (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Al Shaqab Racing joined Jean Pierre Dubois on the ownership ticket after her Chantilly Classic triumph and after giving a mile and a half a try in the Prix Vermeille most recently, she is now back down to her optimum trip.

“Everyone agreed it was worth trying her over a mile and a half in the Vermeille and as you saw she got back a little bit too far and it became a bit mission impossible,” said Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, Al Shaqab’s French racing consultant.

“Her running style, she travels strongly and the more pace there is in front of her the better. There is always more chance of that going a mile and a quarter rather than a mile and a half and we just feel it is the most logical race for the filly.

“The fact that Bluestocking, Aventure and Mqse De Sevigne have all taken their chance in the big one, all those sort of things made us feel it was the right decision for Sparkling Plenty to run in the l’Opera.”

Friendly Soul has been a shining light for John and Thady Gosden this term
Friendly Soul has been a shining light for John and Thady Gosden this term (David Davies for The Jockey Club/PA)

Other British and Irish interest in the race is provided by John and Thady Gosden’s duo Friendly Soul and Running Lion, Johnny Murtagh’s Blandford Stakes winner Hanalia and Joseph O’Brien’s Prix Jean Romanet runner-up American Sonja.

In the Qatar Prix de la Foret, Kinross will attempt to regain the crown he surrendered to Carlos Laffon-Parias’ reopposing Kelina 12 months ago.

Ralph Beckett’s gelding won this title in the midst of a halcyon campaign in 2022 and looked back to his best when winning Doncaster’s Park Stakes last month.

“We’re very excited. Hopefully the ground doesn’t dry out too much, but I can’t see that happening. We’re all looking forward to it,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager for owner Marc Chan.

“Hopefully his win will give him the confidence ahead of this race and it’s really exciting to be going back to the Foret.”

William Haggas’ Hungerford Stakes winner Tiber Flow and John and Sean Quinn’s supplemented City of York Stakes scorer Breege feature amongst the raiders, while there is a strong home team led by Andre Fabre’s Prix du Moulin hero Tribalist.

Christopher Head will be represented by his star filly Ramatuelle, who drops in distance following fine efforts in defeat in both the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Ramatuelle (left) in action in the 1000 Guineas
Ramatuelle (left) in action in the 1000 Guineas (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

“Ramatuelle is really nice and she’s had a lot of advantage missing the summer, it’s really done her well,” said Head.

“She is really doing her job every morning and I am really happy with her. She is still as good as she was at the beginning of the season.

“We are really happy with the stall number (six) we have got in the Foret and I am pretty sure Aurelien (Lemaitre, jockey) and Ramatuelle can handle it.”

Head trained Big Rock to Queen Elizabeth II Stakes success last year, but since switched to Maurizio Guarnieri he has failed to reach the same heights and he also drops in trip having been supplemented on Thursday.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Evergreen Kinross firmly on track for Foret repeat

Kinross will bid to continue his resurgence by claiming a second victory in the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp next month.

Ralph Beckett’s stable stalwart was beaten on his first three starts of the season, but the seven-year-old showed his true colours when regaining his crown in Doncaster’s Park Stakes, his ninth success at Group-race level in four seasons.

Jamie McCalmont, racing manager for owner Marc Chan, said: “Because of the emotional attachment everyone has to the horse, that win meant a lot.

“We went there pretty confident. He was in such good and the ground was right. It was probably softer competition that he’s been up against all year, but I don’t think that made a difference.

“To me, he’s as good as he’s ever been on that run – that’s as impressive as he’s ever been winning a race, other than maybe his maiden!”

Kinross’ two Group One wins were achieved in 2022, with Foret glory on Arc weekend followed by success in the Qipco British Champions Sprint on Champions Day at Ascot.

Both races are again under consideration, while a trip to America for the Breeders’ Cup was also mooted in the immediate aftermath of his Doncaster triumph. But for now a return to Paris is the focus.

“The Foret is definitely next and we’ll see after that,” McCalmont added.

“Marc Chan has to take a lot of credit as he’s never put any pressure on to run in any race. Obviously Ralph and his team are equally responsible, but it helps if you have an owner that is understanding.

“If the Foret was the last race of the year then so be it. We’d probably go into the winter in a better state than we did last year and there’s no reason why he can’t run in four or five races next year.

“He’s had the enthusiasm for it all year, that’s never been in doubt, but I think he was thriving going into the Doncaster race and my feeling was if he didn’t win then the engine wasn’t there anymore and we were going backwards rather than forwards.

“How many times can anyone be involved with a horse that’s won nine Group races? He’s the gift that keeps on giving.”

Green Impact (right) on his way to victory at Leopardstown
Green Impact (right) on his way to victory at Leopardstown (Healy Racing/PA)

Kinross completed a big-race double on the day for Chan, with the Jessica Harrington-trained Green Impact striking Group Two gold on the other side of the Irish Sea at Leopardstown.

The son of Wootton Bassett will now be put away for the winter ahead of what connections hope will be a Classic campaign next term.

“He’s the first horse Marc has ever bred and we’ve always had high expectations,” said McCalmont.

“Jessie and Kate (Harrington) said in April time that they were going to run this horse in a maiden on Irish Derby weekend, so they were always pretty confident about him.

“He won’t run again this year, but that was always the plan going into the race at Leopardstown.

“We hope he’ll strengthen up and be a much stronger horse next year and he’ll probably start off in one of the Guineas as a trial to see what his best trip is.

“He’ll definitely stay a mile and a quarter. Whether he’ll stay a mile and a half is another thing, but we’ll see how we go in the spring.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Kinross collects Park prize once more at Doncaster

Kinross showed all of his class to claim Betfred Park Stakes glory for the second time at Doncaster.

Ralph Beckett’s evergreen seven-year-old prevailed in this Group Two contest a couple of seasons ago before going on to land top-tier wins in the Prix de la Foret and the British Champions Sprint.

His form this term had been a bit below that level, but Rossa Ryan was always sitting comfortably on this occasion.

Kinross responded impressively when asked to kick on at the furlong pole and the result was never in doubt from there, with the 11-4 shot coming home two lengths clear of favourite Lead Artist.

He was subsequently cut from 7-1 to 4-1 for another British Champions Sprint success at Ascot by Paddy Power.

Beckett said: “What a horse he’s been and his owner Marc Chan is having a great day, as he’s had a Group Two winner in Ireland as well (Green Impact).

“I’m very proud to get him back. It hasn’t been easy, he had a small issue at the end of last year and we’ve had to tread carefully.

“I would have loved to have run him at York, as he loves it there, but the ground just got a bit quick. We knew we could get him back with everything on his side – and today everything was on his side.

Betfred St Leger Festival – Betfred St Leger Day – Doncaster Racecourse
Kinross ridden by Rossa Ryan wins the Betfred Park Stakes (Mike Egerton/PA).

“He’s a very, very good horse and to be still doing it at seven is unusual. I’m very proud of him.

“If the ground is right, he’ll go to Ascot (British Champions Sprint) and the Foret and maybe the Breeders’ Cup as well. If the ground is right, he’ll do both in October. He’ll dance every dance now, who knows if it is his last season.

“I couldn’t be confident he was as good as ever, as how can you be, but the signs were really good in the week, I was really enthused by the way he galloped.”

Runner-up Lead Artist was dropping back from a mile to seven furlongs and co-trainer John Gosden said: “It was sharp enough, but he ran a lovely race and Kinross, as we know, when he is on top form is imperious.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Kinross and Lead Artist doing battle in Park Stakes

Rossa Ryan has already played a part in Kinross’ journey to stardom and hopes Ralph Beckett’s stalwart can continue being a “legend” when he bids for a second Betfred Park Stakes at Doncaster.

The 24-year-old partnered the evergreen seven-year-old to victory in the Lennox Stakes in 2021, but had not ridden again on the racecourse until this season, as Kinross and Frankie Dettori claimed multiple big-race victories prior to the Italian’s relocation to America.

Ryan has reacquainted himself with the son of Kingman the last twice, and now hopes to add to that Goodwood triumph of three years ago.

Kinross winning the Lennox Stakes with Rossa Ryan on board in 2021
Kinross winning the Lennox Stakes with Rossa Ryan on board in 2021 (John Walton/PA)

After skipping the City of York Stakes last month, hopes are high for a strong performance in a race he won on Town Moor in 2022.

“He’s going well and looks great,” said Ryan.

“He was a legend for me and the first Lennox he won, I was on him, and that was the start of a great career for him.

“He’s helped me and I’ve helped him and hopefully we can continue that.”

John and Thady Gosden’s Lead Artist has shown notable ability in his four outings so far and the Thoroughbred Stakes scorer is another seeking to make up for lost ground having sat on the sidelines since Glorious Goodwood.

Lead Artist impressed at Goodwood
Lead Artist impressed at Goodwood (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“He’s in good form, he’s missed a couple of engagements due to soft ground but he’s a nice colt and we think he’s going the right way,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“The drop back to seven furlongs here will be fine, that won’t be an issue. He’s a horse either later this year or next year we hope could climb the ladder to the highest grade.”

Andrew Balding claimed this prize 12 months ago and saddles both Goldene Peitsche winner Al Shaqab Storm and Vetiver, while Karl Burke is represented by course and distance winner Poet Master who was last seen impressing in Ireland in the Minstrel Stakes.

Richard Hannon’s Shouldvebeenaring and Marco Botti’s Fred Darling winner Folgaria are other notable names, with Charlie Hills’ Pogo and Ed Walker’s Popmaster completing the nine-strong field after the withdrawal of Lake Forest.

It had been hoped the William Haggas-trained runner could set up a big-race tilt in Australia with a first try at seven furlongs, but the Somerville Lodge handler has deemed the ground unsuitable.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Town Moor probable target for Kinross after missing York

Doncaster’s Park Stakes is the most likely next port of call for Kinross after connections made the difficult decision to sidestep a hat-trick bid at York last weekend.

Ralph Beckett’s stable stalwart was in line to secure a third successive victory in the Group Two City of York Stakes, but was withdrawn on Saturday morning on account of unsuitable ground.

Now a seven-year-old, the dual Group One winner has yet to add to his tally of 10 career victories after three starts so far this season, most recently taking third when bidding for a third victory in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last month.

Owner Marc Chan is unsurprisingly keen to take a cautious approach with his pride and joy and while he holds an entry in the Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 7, Doncaster’s seven-furlong Group Two the following Saturday – a race he won under Frankie Dettori in 2022 – is currently the favoured option.

“That (ground) was the entire reason he didn’t run at York, there was nothing else,” said Chan’s racing manager Jamie McCalmont.

“It was frustrating not to be able to run, but Marc is very keen not to run him on extremes of ground and as I’ve said before, we’ve got an older horse here that owes us nothing.

“It was very tempting to run on Saturday, believe me, but you only had to look at the times to see how quick the ground was.

“He just wants good ground, that’s all, and as Ralph said on Monday Morning at least we’ve still got a horse we can race. If he’d run on Saturday, finished fourth or fifth and got jarred up, we might have been saying ‘listen guys, that’s it’.

“The race at Doncaster he won two years ago is probably where’ll he go. It would be nice to run in a spot next time where it’s the right trip, it’s the right ground, the horse is in the best form and where you can’t make any excuses.”

Kinross winning the 2023 City of York Stakes under Frankie Dettori
Kinross winning the 2023 City of York Stakes under Frankie Dettori (Mike Egerton/PA)

McCalmont sees no reason why Kinross will not race on beyond this season if his desire remains intact.

He added: “Every race at this point is a bonus for us. If you saw him in the paddock at Goodwood last time, he was pulling the arms out of the girl leading him round and the enthusiasm to race is still there, which is important.

“If that enthusiasm is there, there’s no reason why he can’t run next year. If the horse is fit and sound and well we’ll keep going, believe me.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Audience seeking starring role in City of York

Audience is out to enhance his stellar 2024 campaign by going one better than 12 months ago in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes.

John and Thady Gosden’s five-year-old had to settle for second behind Kinross last year but has taken his form to the next level this term.

A shock winner of the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, he failed to figure in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, but thrived for a drop back to seven furlongs in the Lennox Stakes last month.

He ran out the most impressive winner at Goodwood – coming home four lengths clear of Tim Easterby’s reopposing Art Power – and the mount of Robert Havlin arrives on the Knavesmire with plenty of momentum.

Audience winning the Lockinge at Newbury
Audience winning the Lockinge at Newbury (Steven Paston/PA)

“He has no Group One penalty to carry, which is obviously an advantage, and he ran very well in this race last year when he was second to Kinross,” said Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud.

“I think Goodwood showed seven furlongs suits him better than the stiff mile at Ascot, where he ran very well in the Queen Anne but probably didn’t quite get home.

“It’s a competitive race, as ever, but if he can produce his last run, hopefully he’ll be right there.”

Audience will not have Kinross to worry about this time around after Ralph Beckett’s consistent stalwart and dual City of York Stakes winner was declared a non-runner on Saturday morning on account of unsuitable ground.

Kinross has a stellar record at York
Kinross has a stellar record at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Another previous Ebor Festival winner in the race is William Haggas’ Lake Forest, who lifted the Gimcrack at this meeting 12 months ago and now moves up in trip after two fine runs in defeat so far this season.

Second to Inisherin when reappearing in the Commonwealth Cup, he bumped into another Sheikh Obaid-owned speedster when runner-up to Elite Status at Newbury.

Owned by Brighton & Hove Albion supremo Tony Bloom in partnership with Ian McAleavy, the son of No Nay Never relishes quick ground with his team hoping conditions will allow him to put his best foot forward.

Haggas said: “He’s in really good form and this is the race we want to have a go at, but he doesn’t want any cut in the ground. He wants really quick ground and hopefully it will be fast enough on Saturday.

Lake Forest (blue) chasing home Inisherin at Royal Ascot
Lake Forest (blue) chasing home Inisherin at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“We’re not (completely) sure about the trip, there’s enough on the dam’s side of his pedigree to say he wants the trip. I don’t know really though, he certainly races well over six furlongs but he looks like seven will suit him well as he’s been a strong finisher twice this year.

“He’s never been better than at the line both times, so it could be that he is better over seven maybe, but we will see.

“In the Commonwealth Cup it was a strong race and the Hackwood Stakes was a much better race than the grade, so he’s done well.”

Shouldvebeenaring has also struck at this meeting in the past and Richard Hannon’s colt has risen through the ranks since winning the valuable Goffs sales race as a two-year-old.

Shouldvebeenaring (right) running at York earlier this season
Shouldvebeenaring (right) running at York earlier this season (Mike Egerton/PA)

Now a regular in Group-race company, he has primarily run over six furlongs with connections now keen to test the waters once again up in distance.

“We’re sort of undecided whether his best trip is six or seven furlongs, but if I had to go for one I’d probably say seven,” said Tim Palin of owners Middleham Park Racing.

“He’s a genuine Group One/Group Two performer and we’d love to make him a Group One or Group Two winner before the end of the season.

“I think he goes to York with a fighting chance. He’s tightly matched with Kinross and Lake Forest. Audience is perhaps the class horse in the field and was an impressive winner at Goodwood, but I do wonder whether he and Art Power got loose on the front end that day.

“Hopefully the ground is fast. There are showers forecast I believe and we could do without any rain as fast ground is him playing at home.

“It is slightly more than seven furlongs and over that trip we could do without a slog in a bog.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

All roads lead to the Knavesmire again for Kinross

Ralph Beckett’s Kinross is lining up a bid for a City of York Stakes treble after his Lennox Stakes third at Goodwood.

The seven-year-old is a highly familiar presence having consistently turned up season after season in Group contests run over both six and seven furlongs.

To his name he has two Lennox Stakes titles, two wins in the City of York Stakes, a Prix de la Foret success and a further Group One accolade in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

Those races tend to represent the route he takes through the season, and last week he lined up for his fourth Lennox Stakes on the South Downs at Goodwood.

Having won in 2021 and 2023 and just missed out by just a neck to Sandrine in 2022, Kinross was the 7-2 favourite under Rossa Ryan in a field of eight.

Veteran sprinter Art Power blazed a trail with John and Thady Gosden’s Audience in his wake, and as the race developed between them Kinross was left with plenty of ground to cover to get involved.

He did his level best, however, and ran on into third place with Art Power a length ahead of him and Audience another four lengths ahead in front.

Though in the autumn of his career, Kinross still showed all of his usual zest for life and the gelding will continue follow a familiar path to take in the City Of York on August 24.

“He’s absolutely fine, we were very pleased with the run,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to Marc Chan, Kinross’ owner.

“Everything’s on track, his programme is the same as ever. He will go on to York and then probably go to France.

“The speed of the race certainly held at Goodwood, which didn’t help him, but his enthusiasm to race is still there and he galloped out very strongly past the wire.

“We were very happy with the run, while he’s still enthusiastic and wants to race, we’re happy to keep racing him.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Evergreen Kinross hunting third Lennox Stakes victory

Kinross goes in search of a third victory in the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday.

Ralph Beckett’s charge plundered the Group Two prize in 2021 and 2023, and was only narrowly denied by Sandrine in 2022.

After pushing Montassib close in Newcastle’s Chipchase Stakes on his first start of the current campaign, the seven-year-old could only finish eighth in the July Cup at Newmarket earlier this month – but connections admit there will be “no excuses” on his return to the Sussex Downs.

“We’re excited to be going to Goodwood, a track that he loves – he probably should have won the race three times by now,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to owner Marc Chan.

“It would be an amazing achievement for any horse to win three races at Goodwood and I think just due to the fact he’s getting older, he probably needs more than one race to get in tune.

“There’ll be no excuses on Tuesday. The ground shouldn’t be too firm hopefully.”

One of the biggest threats to the defending champion is the Ed Walker-trained English Oak, who steps up in class after a dominant handicap victory in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

James Doyle aboard English Oak after winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot
James Doyle aboard English Oak after winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

The son of Wootton Bassett has proved himself versatile ground-wise this season and Walker is looking forward to seeing how he fares at Group Two level.

“He’s in cracking form and has not missed a beat since Ascot, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on,” said the Lambourn-based trainer.

“He’s got a lot to make up as on official ratings he’s the lowest-rated in the field and yet he’s vying for favouritism, which on the numbers doesn’t make a lot of sense.

“He’s also never run in a stakes race, so without being pessimistic he’s got to step up to win this.

“We’re very happy with him, we’ve no worries with the ground and we’ve got a good draw (stall four) I think he’ll run his race and I hope he gets a good trip round and then we’ll find out how good he is.”

Noble Dynasty and William Buick winning the Criterion Stakes at Newmarket
Noble Dynasty and William Buick winning the Criterion Stakes at Newmarket (Steven Paston/PA)

Noble Dynasty is two from two in Britain this season for Charlie Appleby, beating English Oak with an all-the-way success in a Newmarket handicap in early May before getting the better of the high-class Nostrum in the Group Three Criterion Stakes on the July course last month.

Speaking on the Godolphin website, Appleby said: “Noble Dynasty is a rock-solid horse who heads into this on the back of a pleasing win in the Criterion Stakes.

“He didn’t run very well at this meeting a couple of years ago, but he was backing up quickly that day and is a different horse now.

“This is a step up from his last run and he will need to bring his A-game, but he’s in good form and deserves his place in the line-up.”

John of Gaunt Stakes winner Tiber Flow (William Haggas) and the surprise Lockinge hero Audience (John and Thady Gosden) also feature in a competitive field.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Kinross leads Ralph Beckett’s Goodwood Festival hopes

Ralph Beckett’s Qatar Goodwood Festival team will be led by the evergreen sprinter Kinross as he bids for a third World Pool Lennox Stakes title.

The seven-year-old has been a constant source of prize-money for the stable over the past few seasons, winning 10 races – eight of which have been at Group level – and earning nearly £2million for his exploits.

First taking the Lennox Stakes in 2021, the gelding was beaten just a neck the following year when narrowly outdone by Andrew Balding’s Sandrine.

He returned last season to line up for the seven-furlong Group Two again and regained his crown by the same fine margin, a feat he will look to repeat this time as his trainer also bids to retain the leading trainer title he won at the meeting last season.

“For years I had no luck at Goodwood! We could never get it right. The last couple of years it’s gone well, but these things are cyclical,” he said.

Kinross winning the World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last year
Kinross winning the World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last year (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“You’ve got to keep doing it, haven’t you? We had a good Royal Ascot and hopefully we’ll enjoy a good Goodwood.

Of Kinross, Beckett added: “I think we’re all very aware that we’re unlikely to ever have another like him and every day is a joy.

“Because of how long he’s been here and the fact I trained most of his family as well and for him to end up as he has, I don’t think any of us expected that.

“He’s been an easy horse to train, but he loves his work, just loves his work. And that’s made our lives very easy.”

“He’s been pretty unlucky not to win three Lennox Stakes, but he loves it there, he really does. He’s come out of the July Cup in good form, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Sonny Liston in action at Sandown (Alan Crowhurst/PA)
Sonny Liston in action at Sandown (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Beckett’s Goodwood team could also include Sonny Liston, who will aim to put a beaten effort in the Summer Mile at Ascot behind him if he lines up for the Qatar Sussex Stakes.

He said: “He likes Goodwood. He’s run well twice there from his only two starts, and so he could well run in the Qatar Sussex Stakes. We might re-employ headgear as well.”

Beckett won the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes back in 2015 with subsequent St Leger winner Simple Verse and could be doubly represented this year as both River Of Stars, second last season, and Oxford Comma are likely to partake.

He said: “River Of Stars could go back and be joined by Oxford Comma, who won her only two starts this year. They could both show up there, depending on ground. That looks like an obvious target for both.”

The Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes could also have two Beckett-trained contenders as Task Force and King’s Gamble both hold entries.

“King’s Gamble ran very well in the Britannia and Task Force is sort of on the comeback trail. He ran quite well in the Jersey Stakes. We think he’s better than that. I think Goodwood will suit him very well,” the trainer said.

Starlust, winner of the City Walls Stakes at York when last seen, is pencilled in for the Qatar King George Stakes over the same five-furlong trip.

Beckett said: “Starlust has defied every expectation, we never saw him coming really. I never thought of him as a five-furlong horse but he saves his best for the racecourse and that’s why he keeps rolling.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Kinross hunting Chipchase crown at Newcastle

Dual Group One winner Kinross is the star attraction in the Jenningsbet Nun Street Newcastle Open Now Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle on Saturday.

The seven-year-old has been a fantastic servant to trainer Ralph Beckett and owner Marc Chan, winning 10 of his 28 career starts to date, including successive Group One wins in the Prix de la Foret and Qipco British Champions Sprint in 2022.

Last season, the gelded son of Kingman landed his second Lennox Stakes at Goodwood and successfully defended his crown in the City of York Stakes, before being touched off when bidding for back-to-back wins at both ParisLongchamp and at Ascot on Champions Day.

Having again been saved for a late-season campaign, Kinross was originally due to make his reappearance in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last weekend, but he instead travels to Newcastle for what will be his first start on the all-weather since winning at Kempton four years ago.

“We just felt running over six furlongs on fast ground at Ascot would be too much for him at his age now and the extra week probably isn’t a bad thing,” said the owner’s racing manager, Jamie McCalmont.

“Starting back on a synthetic surface looks a suitable thing to do and he should be competitive. Obviously he’ll improve from the run, but we’ll see.

“If he comes out of Newcastle well, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t run back two weeks later in the July Cup, but it just depends on how he comes out of the race.

“After that, there’s Goodwood for the Lennox Stakes and there’s the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville around that time as well, so you’ve got both of those options.”

Montassib (left) winning the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster
Montassib (left) winning the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster (Nigel French/PA)

William Haggas has saddled the last two winners of this Group Three contest in Sense Of Duty and Tiber Flow and again has a leading contender in the form of Montassib.

A winner over the course and distance on his racecourse debut in 2020, the six-year-old won the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on his first start of the current campaign and was last seen finishing a creditable sixth in the Duke of York Stakes.

Karl Burke is looking forward to firing a twin assault, with last year’s runner-up Spycatcher joined by stablemate Cold Case, who has been off the track since finishing fourth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville last August.

“Cold Case is coming back off an injury from last year and he will definitely improve for the run fitness-wise, but he’s working nicely and we’re very happy with him,” said the Spigot Lodge handler.

“Spycatcher looks in great form and is stripping very fit and has always run well at Newcastle. I think the ground was just against him in the Duke of York last time (finished 11th) and we’ve put a line through that. He’s bounced out of the race really well.

“They’re two very good horses and if they were both fully fit, they’d be very difficult to split, probably fitness will just favour Spycatcher I would have thought, but I’d say it was a hard enough decision for Clifford Lee.”

Albasheer (Archie Watson), Ramazan (Richard Fahey) and Popmaster (Ed Walker) also feature.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Mill Stream part of confirmations for Saturday feature

All the major contenders for Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes stood their ground among 19 acceptors for the final Group One of Royal Ascot on Saturday.

Ralph Beckett’s Kinross, Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream and Archie Watson’s Shartash are all prominent in the betting for a race won 12 months ago by Charlie Hills’ 80-1 outsider Khaadem, who is back to defend his title.

Tim Easterby’s Art Power, a winner at the track on Champions Day, and Mitbaahy, a stablemate of Khaadem, are also engaged.

A cracking renewal of the Jersey Stakes looks assured with Richard Hannon’s Haatem, placed in both the Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish version, set to wear new silks for the first time.

He has been among a swathe of new purchases for Wathnan Racing and will be the mount of James Doyle.

It will be far from a cakewalk, however, as he could take on the likes of Task Force, Evade, Indian Run and Frankel’s half-brother Kikkuli.

Frankel's half-brother Kikkuli may run in the Jersey Stakes
Frankel’s half-brother Kikkuli may run in the Jersey Stakes (Bradley Collyer/PA)

River Tiber, Never So Brave and Romantic Style are all among 25 entries.

Last year’s St Leger winner Continuous is due to make his comeback in the Hardwicke Stakes.

He had been an intended runner in Hong Kong at the end of last year but was a late absentee and has not run since the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when a very fair fifth.

The William Haggas-trained Desert Hero, a famous winner of the King and Queen at last year’s meeting, could be back once more, with John and Thady Gosden’s Middle Earth also a leading contender.

Missed The Cut was a winner at the meeting two years ago before he moved to America
Missed The Cut was a winner at the meeting two years ago before he moved to America (Adam Davy/PA)

Missed The Cut, a Royal Ascot winner for George Boughey in 2022, could run for his American trainer John Sadler, the man responsible for recent US superstar Flightline.

Vafortino heads the weights for the Wokingham, for which ante-post fancies Albasheer and Dark Trooper were among the 66 confirmed.

A total of 26 were entered in the Chesham, with 46 in the Golden Gates Stakes, while the meeting finishes with the Queen Alexandra Stakes in which Trueshan has been given an entry by Alan King.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Kinross out to make it third time lucky with Jubilee joy

It is all systems go for Kinross, as Ralph Beckett’s evergreen stable stalwart gears up for his Royal Ascot return in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on Saturday week.

Now seven, the son of Kingman has been a star performer for both his Kimpton Down handler and owner Marc Chan, winning at least two group events per year for the past three seasons.

He finished outside the top three only once in a typically-proficient 2023 campaign, winning at both Goodwood and York in the summer before suffering narrow reversals in his title defences in the Prix de la Foret and when last seen in the British Champions Sprint Stakes.

A course and distance winner, Kinross is now being prepared for his third crack at the final Group One of the Royal meeting and, with him currently disputing favouritism for the six-furlong contest, connections are keen to see their leading light back on track in what appears an open renewal.

“Everything is on schedule with Kinross and he’s a seven-year-old now, so we will just take one race at a time and hope he is as good as he was last year,” said Jamie McCalmont, the owner’s racing manager.

“He won’t really be put to the test until he runs and he’s not a horse who takes a lot of training. He certainly doesn’t need any extra seasoning. I think he will improve from this run whatever happens.

“It does look a very open race at this point.”

Bold Discovery was back to his best at the Curragh last month
Bold Discovery was back to his best at the Curragh last month (Brian Lawless/PA)

Chan – who has a 100 per cent record with his runners in the UK this season – is also set to be represented at Ascot by Jessica Harrington’s Bold Discovery, who is poised for a step up to 10 furlongs in the Wolferton Stakes following a taking victory over a mile in the Curragh’s Amethyst Stakes.

“As long as the ground is not soft, Bold Discovery will run in the Wolferton on the opening day,” continued McCalmont.

“We think that is a good spot for him. He will be stretching out to a mile and a quarter again, but that is where he runs.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Stalwart Kinross flying the flag for Beckett team this year

Ralph Beckett will be looking for stable stalwart Kinross to shine in what could be a transitional year for the Hampshire handler, although he still has genuine Classic aspirations with the likes of Task Force.

Kinross took his tally of wins to 10 last season when securing Grade Two victories in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood and the City of York Stakes at York.

He then signed off with elite-level runner-up efforts in the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp and Ascot’s British Champions Sprint Stakes, taking his career earnings to over £1.75million.

Now aged seven, the Marc Chan-owned gelding has an important role to play following the departure of some high-profile stablemates.

“We’ve lost a few; Prosperous Voyage, Lezoo, Westover, but Kinross is still around and doing work, showing all his old enthusiasm,” Beckett told Sky Sports Racing.

“He’s in good shape and he’ll start at Ascot in the Jubilee and then we’ll work our way through the rest of the year. He’s in good form and he looks like he’s retained all his enthusiasm, so we’re looking forward to him, as ever.”

Task Force is quoted at between 14-1 and 20-1 for the 2000 Guineas after following up two wins with second place behind Vandeek in the Middle Park at Newmarket, while Skellet is rated a lively outsider for the 1000 Guineas.

Beckett added: “Task Force is training well and at the moment we’ll go straight to Newmarket for the Guineas.

“It’s difficult to know how good he is because he was never a six-furlong horse, either on pedigree or on physique. We stuck at six because it was working and he was quite a free-running horse as a two-year-old.

“He’s settled down a lot over the winter, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.

“Skellet was second in the Oh So Sharp, she’ll probably go for the Guineas as well, she’s done well over the winter.

“There’s a couple of others and a few for the Oaks, plus we’ve got a few Derby entries, including Feigning Madness, who beat Harper’s Ferry on debut, so lots to look forward to. Hopefully, we’ll shake something out.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns