Dettori’s Oaks finale is just grand
FRANKIE Dettori’s last ever ride in the Betfred Oaks was a winning one as Soul Sister soared to victory at Epsom.
John and Thady Gosden’s filly was the backmarker for a good while, but as the race progressed she did too and in the home straight she was travelling much the best.
Winner of the Musidora Stakes, she accelerated past Aidan O’Brien’s Savethelastdance, the 5-6 favourite, and cantered over the line to prevail by a length and threequarters at 11-4. Caernarfon (40-1) ran a big race in third for Jack Channon, just a head further back.
There was mixed fortunes for the winning yard, however, as stablemate Running Lion did not start after breaking out of the stalls, leaving Oisin Murphy stranded.
Gosden senior said: “She was slightly slowly away so Frankie did the wise thing and took her back and gave her confidence.
“I could see she was coming strong, but I didn’t know if she stayed a mile and a half - she stayed it well.
“You need to here because that last half-furlong is uphill. She’s a classy filly.
“When I was looking at her pedigree I like to see Darshaan under the third dam so that meant there was a chance she’d stay.
“It was a strongly-run race and she’s beaten a couple of nice fillies.
“I just didn’t know until the final two furlongs if she’d get home.”
He added: “She’s versatile over 10 and 12 furlongs, but it’s great for her to win a Classic for the owner/breeders.
“They bred her on their own farm and let me tell you, that is not an easy game - especially to go and win a race like this.
“Frankie is riding very well, we had a cup of coffee beforehand and it mu st have been very strong as he’s riding like a demon! The Irish Oaks is possible for the winner, it’s a bit early to say but that would definitely be a possibility, anything over 10-12 (furlongs) will be fine.
A jubilant Dettori - who had earlier won the Coronation Cup - said: “That means a lot seven Oaks winners.
“Lady Bamford is a big supporter of mine and in my last year that is my second Classic winner - unbelievable.”