Kinross and Frankie Dettori eye British Champions Sprint before potential Hong Kong International Races tilt
Kinross can further strengthen hopes of a Longines Hong Kong International Races appearance for he and his superstar pilot Frankie Dettori with a strong showing in Saturday’s Group One Qipco British Champions Sprint (1,200m).
Owned by Hong Kong-based Marc Chan, Kinross is a warm favourite to add a third Group One to his CV on what promises to be testing Ascot ground this weekend.
There will be plenty of Jockey Club officials hoping Kinross can defend his crown in the 1,200m showpiece before playing a key role in Dettori’s Hong Kong farewell.
Connections have their sights on a Group One Hong Kong Mile showdown with Golden Sixty and while that might seem like a tall order for a galloper whose big-race wins have come at seven furlongs or shorter, one jockey who knows Kinross well is confident he can measure up.
“From the first day I galloped him at home I knew he was a top-class horse,” said Harry Bentley, who rode the speedster to victory on debut in 2019 and is now based at Sha Tin.
“He was extremely impressive and won with a lot in hand. I was in no doubt I was riding a Group One horse – he was quality.
“Golden Sixty has been an incredible horse for Hong Kong. He’s won everything there is to win but there’s no reason why Kinross wouldn’t serve up a good challenge.”
Bentley is not the only member of the Hong Kong riding roster to partner Kinross, with Andrea Atzeni – who piloted the galloper into sixth at Meydan in 2021 – confident about his chances on Saturday.
“It looks like the ground is going to be very heavy and on form he’s the best horse in the race,” Atzeni said. “Hopefully he’ll come out here in December but I’m sure he’ll get the job done tomorrow first.”
The Jockey Club will simulcast nine races for betting on Saturday – three from Caulfield Cup Day in Melbourne and six from British Champions Day.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed on Friday that Zac Purton will now ride the Group One King Charles III Stakes (1,600m) winner, Fangirl, in the Group One Cox Plate (2,040m) on October 28.
His original mount, Light Infantry Man, will miss the race after a long season in Europe.
