FRANKIE DETTORI began his Epsom send off weekend in perfect style as Soul Sister cruised to success in the Oaks.
It sets up a potentially famous double for Dettori, who rides the Derby favourite Arrest tomorrow.
Frankie Dettori leaps off Soul Sister following their Oaks success
There was drama before the gates opened as Running Lion bolted at the start, unshipping Oisin Murphy and failing to take part.
Dettori always appeared confident on Soul Sister, who loomed up on the outside as they freewheeled down the hill.
Taking over at the two-furlong pole, the pair sauntered away from the odds-on favourite Savethelastdance.
Jack Channon’s Caernarfon ran a screamer under Connor Beasley, only giving best to the front two in the final furlong.
It was a seventh Oaks win for Dettori, a fourth win for John Gosden and a first in partnership with his son Thady.
It was also the second leg of an Oaks day Group 1 double, following Emily Upjohn’s dominant display in the Coronation Cup.
Things could get even better for Dettori tomorrow as he rides the well-backed Derby joint-favourite Arrest for the Gosdens.
Punters have latched onto Dettori and those hoping for a movie-like farewell for the Italian will be licking their lips.
Coral’s David Stevens said: “Frankie Dettori has been the man for the big occasion throughout his career, and he’s proved that once again with a Group 1 double on the opening day at Epsom.
“Plenty of punters will have backed them both and have them in multiple bets with Arrest.
“Many more will want to back Frankie in his final Derby ride, and it’s almost certain the pair will be sent off favourite for the Epsom Classic.”
It would be a third Derby win for Dettori should he win, following up successes on Authorized (2007) and Golden Horn (2015).
