Julian Richmond-Watson's Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who earned 'TDN Rising Star' status with an eight-length romp at Newmarket in October, remains on course for the mile Classics should British racing resume in time for Classic season. Following that storming debut performance, the homebred bay was only fifth in the rearranged G1 Racing Post Trophy on Newcastle's Tapeta in November. Trainer Ralph Beckett is hopeful he can put that behind him in the coming months.
“He had four weeks off in the middle of January, as he picked up an issue, but he's moving well and working well now and hopefully will be ready for when the season starts,” he explained. “It was unfortunate at the time, but I've been happy with him since and the 2000 Guineas is a possibility, whenever it may take place. We don't have too many options, as there probably won't be a trial for it now but we're all in the same boat and I wouldn't be afraid to go straight there. He lacked experience at Newcastle and it didn't happen for him, but he will have learnt plenty. His performance first time up was impressive and he wants faster ground than that. I think he'll get a mile well, but I'm not sure he'll get any further.”
Beckett also had news of the Pickford Hill Partnership's Max Vega (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who annexed Newmarket's G3 Zetland S. in October on the third of his three juvenile starts.
“He has wintered well and is likely to start next month if racing goes ahead,” the trainer added. “He will go to [the G1] Epsom [Derby] if all goes well.”
Beckett also has Oaks ambitions for another of Richmond-Watson's homebreds, the one-mile Newmarket maiden winner Trefoil (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}).
“She did really well to win over a trip that would be on the sharp side for her and was very strong after the line,” he said. “She is a strong filly and well put together. She has a good mind and I'm pretty sure we'll start her off in an Oaks trial somewhere.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
