FRANKIE DETTORI is on the Piz for next month’s Cazoo Derby at Epsom.
The Italian, 51, has jocked off Irish champion apprentice Gavin Ryan who has ridden Piz Badile on all three of his starts so far.
Ryan is unlikely to have a ride in the Derby at Epsom unless he gets a late call-up
But after Dettori’s boss John Gosden was left without a Derby candidate, the two-time Epsom hero became available and trainer Donnacha O’Brien acted quickly.
It’s the third season on the spin Dettori has pulled rank in the big race. He jocked off Tom Marquand from English King in 2020 and Adam Kirby from John Leeper last summer.
Piz Badile, who won the Ballysax at Leopardstown last time, was trimmed into 8-1 from 9-1 with Betfair as punters latched on to the Frankie factor.
Alan Cooper, racing manager to Piz Badile’s owners the Niarchos Family, said: “Frankie is going to ride at Epsom.
“The horse is in good form. We’ve got another just under three weeks to go, so hopefully he stays in good form between now and then.
“I think Donnacha is very happy with his horse and the decision was made not to go to the Derrinstown, which would have been the horse’s third trip to Leopardstown.
“I’m in regular contact with Donnacha and he’s delighted with his horse. They all need luck in running and we’ll go from there.”
Dettori told the Racing Post: “I got the call and he’s a very exciting horse. He comes into the Derby with a good profile and he’s a lovely ride to have.
“I’ve known the Niarchos family for a long time and I was pleased to get the call. I’m looking forward to sitting on him, maybe sometime next week and then it’s on to Epsom.”
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