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Kinross puts the record straight under Dettori to set up Group 1 challenges

Kinross (Frankie Dettori) wins the City Of York Stakes beating PogoYork 20.8.22 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Kinross (right): storms to victory in the City of York StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Saturday: York

The quest to secure an elusive top-level triumph awaits Kinross after he made amends for his luckless effort at Glorious Goodwood when an impressive scorer in the City of York Stakes.

The winner was narrowly denied by Sandrine after meeting trouble in-running in the Lennox Stakes last month but enjoyed a smooth passage under Frankie Dettori.

Trainer Ralph Beckett said he was confident the test would suit Kinross perfectly and he was proved right when the son of Kingman secured the second Group 2 of his career.

"It's a matter of opinion, but I thought he was very unlucky in the Lennox," Beckett said. "If you gave me the choice of the two races he'd already won a Lennox and I thought this race would set up well for him. So it proved. He was always going to win from halfway I felt. He's a great, fun horse to have."

Kinross was cut to 10-1 (from 20) for the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock in two weeks time, while the Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend at Longchamp will be his major autumn target.

Beckett added: "As he's got older he's got hardier. He didn't really start his maturity until he was gelded and then everything worked out. We minded him all through last year, but he's been unlucky various times."

Doyle stands in for other half in Melrose cruise

Soulcombe did not quite manage to match Baaeed's Wednesday winning margin but the world number one's stable companion still impressed when winning the Melrose Stakes for William Haggas.

With the trainer's main jockey Tom Marquand unable to do the 8st 4lb weight on Soulcombe, Hollie Doyle was an able deputy, although the son of Frankel required little in the way of assistance from the saddle.

Runners in the Melrose Stakes race down the back straight with the winner Soulcombe (Hollie Doyle) in last placeYork 20.8.22 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Soulcombe occupies last place as the Melrose Stakes field heads down the back straightCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's got lots of talent but also a few quirks," said Haggas. "He should have won at Goodwood because he was so far back but he finished well and a mile and six on this track looked to be the right call.

"Whether he might win a stakes race, I don't know, but when they're well bred, they stay and get their confidence, you never know what might happen."

Summerghand shines

David O'Meara hailed Summerghand a "legend" after the popular sprinter struck late to land the 6f Constantine Handicap.

The 2020 Stewards' Cup winner finished fourth in last Saturday's Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon but made the most of his quick reappearance to win by three-quarters of a length under Danny Tudhope.

Summerghand: won another big pot on Saturday
Summerghand: won another big pot on SaturdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was brilliant. There's not many horses that moved with me from my old yard to the new one near York, but he's still very much here. He means an awful lot," O'Meara said.

"He's a legend. He's been unlucky quite a couple of times this year, he's run some race. He'll probably go for the Ayr Gold Cup next."

Alflaila caps Crowley's week

Jim Crowley says Baaeed's stunning Juddmonte International win on Wednesday was the best day of his career and he capped his week by guiding Alflaila to victory in the Strensall Stakes.

"We were caught flat-footed turning into the home straight, but he picked up well," Crowley said. "I was only thinking about today, but Wednesday was one of the best days of racing in my life. It's definitely one of the best weeks I've had."

Results, replays and analysis


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Matt RennieReporter
Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 20 August 2022inReports

Last updated 18:36, 20 August 2022

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