After running the fastest part of last year’s Prix de la Foret Presente par Education Above All (G1) before finishing fourth, Kinross is back — significantly improved — for another crack in this year’s edition of the roughly seven-year sprint for kids 3 and up on October 2 at ParisLongchamp.
This year Kinross, a 5 year old child King gelding, winning the Cazoo Park Stakes (G2) and Sky Bet City of York (G2) at Doncaster. Those efforts are good enough for a Race Post Rating of 122 and 121. Those are group 1 winners, and Kinross loves the test field — scheduled for Sunday — so the stars seem to be as linked so that he achieves first success at the top level.
His only worry is the draw at counter 9, which is wider than ideal and the same as when he was beaten last season.
After two wins in Group 2, Ralph Beckett is expecting a better performance from Kinross than he managed to finish fourth in this race last year.
“He’s not had good results (booth nine), but he’s in good form and will enjoy the ground,” the coach said of Kinross, who is Frankie Dettori’s mount. “He’s in fit condition for the task ahead, that’s for sure.
Representative of Japan Entscheiden finished place ahead of Kinross in this race last season and from an even worse draw at stall 16. This time he played much better, coming in from 4th, but he didn’t reach the same a degree in recent Japan, so it’s still to be seen if he’s in the same form.
Kentucky-hybrid Tenebrism will start from stall 1, and a low draw can often be an advantage. A return to seven furs seems ideal for this chubby girl, who has been trailed by a mile in two starts in group 1 events. Her two highest Racing Post ratings have been achieved. in the short run of that trip, including winning the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (G1) for a good time last season.
Breeders' Cup Entscheiden (JPN) France Frankie Dettori International Kinross (GB) Longchamp Prix de la Foret Purebred racing Ralph Beckett Tenebrism (IRE)
