FRANKIE DETTORI is gearing up for an emotional farewell to York this week as he rides superstar stayer Stradivarius one final time.
Dettori, 51, will look to make it a perfect six from six when the pair team up in the Group 2 Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup Stakes on Friday.
Strad, now eight, will take on just four rivals – Max Vega, Tashkan, Thunderous and Search For A Song – in the 1m6f test over the Knavesmire.
Victory will serve as a sighter for next month’s Ascot Gold Cup, where Bjorn Nielsen’s hero is a current 8-1 shot.
It is certain to be a teary goodbye to a track and fans Stradivarius has never lost on or in front of.
Dettori told Sporting Index: “Friday will be emotional with Stradivarius in the Yorkshire Cup.
“He’s won all of his five races at York, more than at any other track, and I’m sure the Yorkshire crowd will give him an amazing final farewell.
“Win, lose or draw, I’ll lead him in front of the grandstands and let the crowds give him their final goodbye.
“It will be emotional riding him all year to be honest.
“He’s loved by everyone and has done so much for racing, where do you even start with a horse like him? He’s a one-off.
“Everyone knows how much I loved Enable, and she went on until six whereas this boy is now eight.
“Believe it or not, I’ve won more Group races on him than Enable!
“He’s never let us down so I’m not too worried about how he might run, even if he isn’t getting any younger.
“He’s getting a little bit clever in his old age, but when push comes to shove he’s always there for me.”
Meanwhile, a Dettori double is being heavily backed by punters for Wednesday’s racing.
Dettori gets the ride on massive Epsom Oaks fancy Emily Upjohn in the Musidora at 3.35.
The John Gosden-trained three-year-old is a current 7-2 shot to land the big one, vying for favouritism with Aidan O’Brien’s Tuesday.
Emily Upjohn is being put in doubles with Samburu in the next race, who’s currently 5-4 for the 7f sprint at 4.10.
