Frankie Dettori, the world's most famous jockey, may be making a late switch on a huge ride at Champions Day. Dettori has been booked to ride Inspiral for the QEII Stakes over a mile, but if Inspiral gets pulled due to the ground, he could make a dramatic late switch to Angel Bleu in the QEII Stakes at Ascot. However, with heavy rain expected before Saturday, Angel Bleu's odds have drifted on the Betfair Exchange.
Could Dettori make a late switch?
If the ground conditions at Ascot are unsuitable for Inspiral, Frankie Dettori could potentially switch to ride Angel Bleu in the QEII Stakes. The horse's odds have drifted on the Betfair Exchange due to the deluge of rain expected before the race. Although Angel Bleu has won on soft ground in the past, her preferred surface is good, which may not be available if the storm hits Ascot.
Who could be impacted by the switch?
Currently, jockey Hector Crouch is lined up to ride Angel Bleu. He has previously won on the four-year-old colt this year. However, Dettori has also had success with Angel Bleu, winning two Group 1 and one Group 2 races in 2021 on soft and heavy ground. If Inspiral is pulled from the race, Dettori could potentially replace Crouch on Angel Bleu.
What are Dettori's other rides on Champions Day?
Dettori's rides for Champions Day are largely set in stone. He will start with Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup, followed by Kinross in the Sprint. He will then partner with Free Wind in the Fillies and Mares before teaming up with King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes. However, racegoers will notice Dettori's absence from the Balmoral Handicap, as he will be preparing for his press conference and will not be able to make the race.
Overall, it looks like Frankie Dettori is in for an eventful Champions Day, with the potential for a late switch on a huge ride. Fans will have to wait and see how the ground conditions and weather play out to determine Dettori's final lineup.
