Insights from Trainers on the Champions Sprint Race

Kinross Aims for Back-to-Back Triumph in Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes

In a bid to secure consecutive victories at the prestigious Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, Kinross is poised to bring the house down on Champions Day. Under the skillful guidance of jockey Frankie Dettori, who will soon be heading to California, Ralph Beckett’s popular six-year-old is ready to showcase his versatility once again. Last year, he impressively clinched this Group One prize after dropping back to six furlongs. With notable triumphs at Goodwood and York during the summer season and a heartbreaking defeat in defense of his Prix de la Foret crown, Kinross now aims to return victorious on familiar ground.

Beckett shared his enthusiasm about Kinross’ chances: “Winning Group Ones wherever they are is nice, but he likes it at Ascot and he will like this ground.” The trainer also expressed satisfaction with Kinross’ current form since his reversal in ParisLongchamp: “Everything has gone very smoothly since France and he’s had no issues.”

This marks Kinross’ fifth year under Beckett’s training regime. However, it was only when owned by Marc Chan in 2021 that Dettori joined forces with him. Their partnership has consistently yielded success over recent seasons and Beckett attributes part of Kinross’ longevity at the top level to Dettori’s expertise: “Frankie knows when to push the buttons on him and that really helps.”

Determined mare Vadream may finally find luck on her side as she tackles testing conditions for her third attempt at glory in this race. Charlie Fellowes’ mud-loving four-year-old has already triumphed twice on favorable ground this season. Following a respectable tune-up in the Bengough Stakes at Ascot, she is primed and ready for her ultimate challenge.

Sharing his optimism about Vadream’s chances, Fellowes commented: “She loves Ascot, is in great order and this has been the plan for some time.” The trainer was pleased with Vadream’s comeback run in the Bengough Stakes despite it being slightly unfavorable ground: “I thought her comeback run in the Bengough was absolutely spot-on.”

Exciting Contenders Ready to Make Their Mark

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream secured two impressive victories at Deauville during the summer, setting up an exciting clash as she makes only her second start at Group One level with William Buick aboard. Andrew Balding’s Sandrine also poses a formidable threat, having achieved Group-level successes across multiple seasons. With recent success since trying headgear and an ideal distance of six furlongs on softer ground conditions, Sandrine is expected to shine once again.

Karl Burke boasts a strong presence in this race, fielding both Spycatcher and Swingalong. Spycatcher finished third behind Sandrine on Town Moor after a commendable performance while Swingalong brings along notable sprinting form including a third-place finish in the Commonwealth Cup and victory in York’s Summer Stakes.

Another contender who cannot be overlooked is George Boughey’s Believing. Despite finishing one place ahead of Swingalong at Haydock’s Betfair Sprint Cup, Believing exceeded expectations when supplemented for her first-ever Group One assignment.