Frankie Dettori's attempt to record a record seventh win at the Arc might have failed Torquator Tasso but he was still the toast of Longchamp on the evening of October 2nd after plundering the Qatar Prix de la Foret Presente Par Education Above All (G1). Kinross – for many the British Banker of Arc weekend.
On paper it was a good opportunity for the Ralph Beckett-trained 5-year-old, and that's exactly what the 11-8 favorite proved, scoring a one-two in the final Group 1 of the record-breaking weekend.
The world's most celebrated jockey returned to the winner's enclosure to a hearty chorus of “Oh, Frankie Dettori,” and the cheers lingered for a long time Keenelandwhere Kinross is targeted for the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) next month.
Sunday's €350,000 strike marked a breakthrough at the highest level for Marc Chan's seven-eighth specialist, securing him three successive victories following successes in the Sky Bet City of York (G2) and Cazoo Park Stakes (G2).
“He’s bred for this proving ground,” said Beckett, who had previously saddled Westover in the Arc behind, finishing a respectable sixth place climber .
“He came here in a really good place. Unless Tenebrism (who dropped to fifth in the closing stages) managed to do it on this surface, I thought he would be very hard to beat and he was.
“We'll probably go to the Breeders' Cup Mile. That’s what I’ve always wanted for him.”
Kinross wins the Prix de la Forêt Longchamp with Frankie Dettori
Dettori would have had every reason to be frustrated with how Kinross' fourth win at last year's Foret unfolded, and he relished the joy of a very different result twelve months later.
“He was by far my best chance today,” he said. “He is in better shape this year than before. We had a bad draw last year and got too far back, but I think he’s two lengths better this year.”
“His confidence is huge and Ralph has done a great job. We were confident that we would deliver a great performance.”
Christophe Soumillon, on 28-1 Malavath landed on the Francis Graffard-trained filly closest to Kinross. Graffard said: “It was a wonderful achievement. All I have known about this filly since the beginning of the year is that she wants gentle ground and 1,400 meters (seven furlongs).”
“It's been a hard few days and some of my horses haven't quite performed up to expectations, so that's great. We gave her a roar on the straight, that’s for sure.”
Third place Decide who was sent off at 80-1, performed best among Japan's five runners on the card. His coach, Yoshito Yahagi, said: “I think the ground was just too bulky for him, but he didn't run badly. We haven’t decided where he will run next.”
