02 June 2023 , 17:01
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Frankie Dettori ensured he will be riding the favourite in the Betfred Derby after producing a big race masterclass at Epsom on Friday.
In the latest box office display of his incredible farewell tour, the superstar jockey won the Betfred Oaks on 11-4 chance Soul Sister.
He has now won two of the three British Classics run so far this year with the fourth, the £1.5 million Derby to come on Saturday.
Having also bagged the day’s other feature, the Group 1 Dahlbury Coronation Cup, on Emily Upjohn, bookmakers were taking no chances ahead of one of the biggest betting races of the year.
Dettori’s Derby mount Arrest, like Soul Sister and Emily Upjohn trained by John and Thady Gosden, was slashed into 3-1 favourite for the £1.5 million race.
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William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “We were preparing for the money to pile in if Frankie Dettori enjoyed a good Friday and, after both Emily Upjohn and Soul Sister emerged victorious, punters have really latched onto Arrest in the Derby.
“Frankie’s Derby mount is now the 3-1 market leader for tomorrow’s Classic and we can only really see his price getting shorter given how much the country’s punters love him. He could go off pretty short if the support remains this strong.”
Frankie Dettori in action in the Oaks (AFP via Getty Images)Dettori produced Soul Sister from the back of the field to deliver the burst that put paid to hot favourite Savethelastdance and Caernarfton, who finished second and third.
ITV Racing pundit, former jockey Jonny Murtagh, said: “You put this man on the best horse in the big race and he just delivers. It’s fairytale stuff, but that’s the kind of life he’s had. He’s one in a million.
“We won’t know how much we miss him until he’s gone. What a ride! He is the man.”
Dettori, 52, who retires at the end of the season, has now ridden a magnificsaid seven Oaks wins.
“It’s my last year, my second Classic, unbelievable,” he said. “I just want to soak it in now. I’m not going to sleep tonight. I’m so excited.”