Frankie Dettori picks up ride on 13-2 shot John Leeper in the Derby as Aidan O’Brien declares just Bolshoi Ballet

FRANKIE Dettori has picked up the ride on leading Derby contender John Leeper.

The Ed Dunlop-trained colt is as short as 13-2 second favourite for Saturday’s Epsom Classic.

Top jockey Adam Kirby looked to have secured the sought-after ride earlier this week.

But with Dettori’s intended mount High Definition scratched from the race in favour of a crack at the Irish Derby, Dunlop swooped in to secure the services of the legendary Italian.

And John Leeper’s odds have been slashed as a result, with Paddy Power cutting him into 13-2 from 8-1, as Dettori chases a third Derby win.

Dunlop told the Racing Post: “Frankie was the first choice and was approached quite a while ago.

“But he has been riding a lot for Aidan in England, and that was going to happen until the bolt out of the blue from Ballydoyle (Thursday) afternoon.

“There are no negatives with Frankie riding in the Derby and the horse’s work is all done now.

“He’s done everything we’ve wanted him to do so far, and touch wood, everything is going well going into the race.

“The news today came a bit out of the blue, but once (owner) Mrs Patino heard, she was very keen and instructed us to see if Frankie was available.”

John Leeper will break from the outside gate in stall 12, the same draw from which Serpentine sprung a 25-1 surprise last season.

The hot 5-4 favourite Bolshoi Ballet will be ridden by two-time Derby winner Ryan Moore from stall nine – and he is the only runner for Aidan O’Brien who looked likely to have as many as six runners earlier in the week.

Irish 2000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney is next door in stall eight, with other leading contenders Mohaafeth and Hurricane Lane drawn in four and five respectively.

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