Saturday edition of this year’s St Leger Festival comes with a loaded card, but before the main event, a wide-open Betfred Park Stakes sees Kinross looking to regain what was his.
As 10 runners line up over 7f once more, defending champion, Sandrine, remains absent with the prize of 80k up for grabs.
Indeed, in the mare’s stead, Kinross looks ready to stake a claim at the top once more.
Past glories
For a horse of such breeding and off the hooves of such stellar fledgling years, it is hard to pinpoint just where the wheels came off for Kinross.
As a 6yo, the son of Kingman was leaving all in his trail.
Building on from victories in the 2021 John of Gaunt and Lennox Stakes, the gelding was the apple of Ralph Beckett’s eye.
Going on a victorious four-race winning streak with Frankie Dettori at the back end of 2022, the City of York and Park Stakes were capped by another win on Qipco Champions Day.
However, since then, though a second win was had in the Lennox last year – also defending the City of York – it is five trips, no wins.
Indeed, the last time Kinross took the winning post it was against Audience on the Knavesmire in August of 2023.
Nevertheless, there look to be two factors in his favour this weekend.
Firstly, the last runner Kinross beat, the aforementioned Audience, was a withdrawal earlier this week – he himself looking for a second crack after being beaten 12 months ago.
Without the favourite, Kinross’ chances are significantly boosted, as they are by the rain that has arrived this week.
The gelding can go in all conditions, but if pushed, Beckett would agree good to soft decks suit his charge.
So, two years on from one of this big career wins, is the 2024 Park dropping into Kinross’ saddle?
Leader of the pack?
Standing in the way of Kinross and a second Park Stakes, the Gosdens’ sole remaining entry, Lead Artist will look to live up to his moniker.
Coming here off a win in the Bonhams Thoroughbred, the colt last made the trip to Yorkshire in May, winning the Darley EBF Maiden at York, a month after impressing in the Wood Ditton.
The field here will be of greater pedigree, but Kieran Shoemark will fancy his chances.
Meanwhile, the price angle could come in the shape of the in-form Al Shabab Storm.
A four-time career winner, trainer Andrew Balding will look to hold onto the crown with his burgeoning 3yo Chester starlet.
Having won three times this term, his last four outings have been blotted only by his most recent visit to Cheshire last month, but comes here with Group 3 success in Germany.
Al Shabab was fourth on Doncaster debut at the end of last season, and will want to improve here and can at 15/2 with BetVictor.
The Betfred Park Stakes takes place on Saturday at 3pm UK time.
