Smart Call ready for UK debut
COMPARISONS: SA JOCKEY UNDERSTANDS ROWLEY MILE SIMILAR TO VAAL STRAIGHT 1600M No decision yet on Smart Call’s jockey for Breeders’ Cup.
Anthony Delpech will have his visa for the UK in hand today and will fly out tonight to ride Smart Call in the Group 1 Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes over 1600m at Newmarket on Saturday.
“I am riding at Turffontein but the visa will be delivered to me,” confirmed Delpech yesterday.
The 47-year-old has ridden Group 1 winners all over the world but has yet to ride in the UK. However, as he commented last week, the race is run on the straight Rowley Mile “so at least I won’t get lost”.
“I have spoken to friends of mine who have ridden there and they say it is very similar to the Vaal straight – they either go to one side or the other, depending on the track condition. I know the last part is uphill.
“But I will walk the track every day before the race to get a feel of where the going is better.”
As far as the Breeders’ Cup in the USA is concerned Delpech said there have been no discussions as to whether he will get the ride or not.
“Frankie (Dettori) has done a lot of work on the filly and if he wants the ride he will probably get it.
“Meanwhile we are going to enjoy ourselves at Newmarket and it will be good to see just how good she is,” said Delpech.
Dettori partnered the J&B Met winner in a racecourse gallop along the Rowley Mile last week, but is unavailable due to his commitment to ride either Persuasive or Nemoralia.
This will be Smart Call’s first run since she won the Met at Kenilworth in January and since then she has spent a few months just getting to England.
When she won the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes at Kenilworth Smart Call earned an invitation to run in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare over 2400m in California. "We will not be confirming Smart Call's jockey for the Breeders' Cup until closer to the time. Dettori has been so helpful and kind in working Smart Call in Newmarket and he has first option on her if he is available,” Laird told www. racinguk.com.
"Smart Call seems in great form and we are excited for her first run back but she has not run since January and has been in quarantine and travelling for four months this year, we cannot underestimate the toll that might have taken.
"Obviously we hope she runs a great race but her well-being is our main priority."