Frankie Dettori has arrived in Kentucky for the Breeders’ Cup with a spring in his step despite the rain.
Resplendent in a bright blue riding jacket and multicoloured cap, Dettori made an unplanned visit to the Keeneland training centre to take a look at his Breeders’ Cup Turf mount Golden Horn.
Joking to the drenched press corps at the Polytrack training facility, Dettori said he looked forward to Saturday’s mile-and-a-half (2400m) race that will be the swan song for the Derby, Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner.
He is mindful both of his gate position on the rail and the importance of fending off as much unnecessary pressure as he can, with his week in Kentucky in its infancy.
“I came in this morning and didn’t feel jet-lagged so I couldn’t resist changing my mind and visiting the track to see Golden Horn,” Dettori said.
“I’ll be riding him in some work. Let’s see what happens but he looks amazing and everyone is very pleased with him.
“The weather is what it is.
“I suppose I might have to use my horse from that post but it’s still early days to be talking tactics.”
Dettori has five rides for Wesley Ward, spread over three days and partnered one of the trainer’s horses on the Polytrack.
“I ride two for Wesley on Thursday and three more at the Breeders’ Cup, including his filly (Undrafted) in the Turf Sprint, and I know he was pleased to get the wide gate with her,” he said.
Undrafted beat Australian colt Brazen Beau to win the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
