Frankie Dettori discusses his rides at the 2019 Breeders’ Cup
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I spent four winters here in Santa Anita in the late 80s when Iwas a teenager. I tried to learn as much as I could here and I have greatmemories so it is always great to come back and see old friends.
Idon’t think you get a more picturesque track in the world than Santa Anita withthe mountains, the sunrise, the sunsets; it’s just beautiful.
My standout memory from herehas to be winning the Classic on Raven’s Pass in 2008. It doesn’t get anybigger than that.
I was on the track thismorning and it is freezing; I had to wear a mask. You come to Californiathinking it’ll be nice and hot but it’s pretty nippy in the morning! The sun isdirect in your eyes but you’ve got to focus and obviously I know my way aroundhere.
I was on Fanny Logan who got to stretch her legs ahead of the Filly & Mare Turf and she seems like she travelled well. She is on a nice sequence, winning four races in a row and she is improving.
It isa tough race and she hasn’t run in Group 1 company before. We must find a fewpounds on form but like I said, don’t under estimate her. Who knows how far shecan go. She is on an upward curve and I am expecting a good run.
In the Juvenile Turf Sprint, I ride A’Ali and he has a great profile. He won at Royal Ascot, he won the Darley Prix Robert Papin and he likes fast ground. He has got a tendency to go left so the turn won’t be a problem.
UnfortunatelyI picked up a bad draw in ten of twelve. It’s not ideal and there is apossibility that I’ll be running five wide so it’s going to be very difficult.In terms of ability he is definitely good enough, I just need a bit of lucknow.
I ride Etoile for Aidan O’Brien in the Juvenile Fillies Turf but again I am drawn 14 of 14 which is very difficult. She has little experience, so I’ll have to take a chance and ride her for luck. It is always a great honour to ride for Coolmore and let’s hope she can do well.
In the Turf Sprint, I ride Imprimis. The race is wide open, but it is the only decent draw I’ve got.
He’sa good American sprinter but he didn’t adapt for the King’s Stand Stakes withthe straight track confusing him a bit.
If heruns his best race, he is there with a shot. I hope he produces his run priorto the King’s Stand as that was a very good effort.
In the Breeders’ Cup Mile I ride Hey Gaman for James Tate. He is a lovely horse who tries really hard but the draw isn’t ideal in 13.
He isa 20/1 shot because of that. He is a horse that runs with the pace. I mightlose a bit of ground at the Club House turn but let’s hope he can run a decentrace. The track is amazingly quick, so you need a horse with a lot of pace.
It has been an incredibleyear with 19 Group 1 wins; by far my best season and I just hope it continuesinto next year.
Frankie
