Frankie returns in style
RACING’S greatest showman Frankie Dettori delighted his legion of fans when making a successful return to action astride Dubai Warrior at Lingfield.
Making the running, Dettori judged the pace to perfection in the Betway Winter Derby to take the John Gosden-trained colt to victory.
Gosden was also responsible for the runner-up Court House, while Bangkok, the 8-13 favourite, finished a disappointing third.
Dettori, who was having his first race of the year in Britain after riding abroad, also took the prize last year on Wissahickon, who too was trained by Gosden.
After a trademark flying dismount, Dettori said: “I tried not to burn too much petrol at the beginning.
“I was looking for Silvestre de Sousa on Bangkok but I could feel some daylight and I knew then he would finish the race very strongly.
“Dubai Warrior’s got such a big body and he’s taken time to get it all together but he’s getting better and I suspect he’ll come back here on Good Friday for the Easter Classic. It’s the obvious choice.”
Winning trainer Gosden said: “I think he is a horse who wouldn’t want soft or loose ground.
“He has a huge stride and likes to put his foot down.
“He is a Dansili and that is a trait of them – he is a horse who likes this surface and likes good to firm ground.
“But if it rains, you won’t see him running.”
DELIGHT: Dettori and Dubai Warrior