FRANKIE DETTORI reckons he has a “great chance” of bagging the Derby in his final year.
The Italian has made a flying start to the season and already has one Classic to his name, having won the 2000 Guineas on Chaldean.
Frankie Dettori rode Arrest at Epsom on Monday morning
And he was as pleased as punch after steering his big Derby ride Arrest around Epsom in a racecourse gallop this morning.
The three-year-old, who won the Chester Vase earlier this month, handled Tattenham Corner like a pro before easing clear of his workmate.
The worked over just shy of a mile, and Arrest’s high knee action, which suggests he is best on a softer surface, was on display.
Dettori and trainer John Gosden admitted they would not want the ground too quick on Derby day.
But otherwise they were more than satisfied with the colt’s piece of work, keeping him on track for the Derby on June 3.
He is a 6-1 shot with Coral and Dettori said: “It’s all about getting used to the course and the most crucial part is Tattenham Corner, where horses can really win or lose a race.
“He went round there fine, it took him a furlong to get organised in the straight but he’s a big horse.
“He went away nicely in the end and I was very happy with him.
“I’ve won the Derby twice and this will be my final go, but I’m very happy to be going there with a great chance.
“It looks a wide-open Derby and I haven’t seen any horse really dominating any of the trials – they all won, but nobody won by a really wide margin so it looks a competitive and open Derby.”
Gosden, who has won the Derby twice with Benny The Dip and with the Dettori-ridden Golden Horn, added: “This was all about getting a feel for the track, which he has done well.
“He’s a big boy and they always say that when they’re leggy like that the track is trickier for them here, but Frankie said he got himself organised and came nicely on the bit down Tattenham Corner onto the straight – so he was pleased enough with him.
“He will go there with a good chance and it would be pretty special if he and Frankie could win together in Frankie’s final year.”
