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| Rowan Anderson |
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Frankie Dettori is on his farewell tour but he is far from done.
With that hunger to win in the saddle the Italian is hoping Country Grammer can help him with the perfect farewell to Saudi.
He now tackles the $20 million Saudi Cup in what he considers the ‘best dirt track in the world’.
“I’ve been going to Saudi for the last 30 years. I’m not just saying this because we’re talking about The Saudi Cup, but I think this new track is the best dirt track in the world,” Dettori said.
“It’s a beautiful layout and the sand is not as harsh as some of the American tracks. Turf horses can do really well on it and it brings the two categories closer together.
In the world’ most valuable race being held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday 25 February he partners Country Grammer.
The Tonalist x Arabian Song progeny will also be looking to atone and flip the script having been runner up in the Group One last year.
Country Grammer was ridden by Flavien Prat when he was beaten home by surprise winner Emblem Road in last year’s Saudi Cup.
Dettori has been watching closely since and he is ready and steely as ever to show what they both have left in them.
The 52-year-old jockey has seen success on Country Grammer taking out the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes in December beating home the field of six.
“The first day I came here to America to ride he took me by surprise,” Dettori said.
“A lot of pressure was on; there were 40,000 people here and he was a big favorite so, of course, I wanted the horse to win.
“He won in style and I was super pleased with him. He still retains all the ability he had last year.
“Bob (trainer Bob Baffert) made it very clear to me that the Saudi Cup was going to be the next target; that’s why he didn’t run in the Pegasus. Touch wood, at the moment, it’s all systems go for the Saudi Cup.”
Last year’s winner Emblem Road is expected to lock horns with Country Grammer once again in the $20 million Saudi Cup. American raider Scotland Yard and star British filly Saffron Beach are also due to line up in the 1800m dirt prize, while Panthalassa is likely to head a strong Japanese contingent.
Dettori believes Taiba, also trained by Baffert, could pose the biggest threat to his stablemate.
“Taiba made a great comeback run the other day and he’s got fresh legs with little mileage on the clock. He is one of the horses I would fear as he’s got plenty to give,” he said.
The hoop and horse partnership has also tasted Group One success on what is regarded as one of the greatest nights of racing in the Group One Dubai World Cup last year beating home Hot Rod Charlie.
Dettori is currently riding in America as part of his worldwide farewell tour having announced his intention to retire from the saddle at this year’s Breeders’ Cup meeting in November following a glittering career.
It promises to be a busy weekend for Dettori not only with a predicted book of rides but with the superstar rider also taking part in the International Jockeys Challenge. He will join Brazilian star Joao Moreira and Japanese rider Yuga Kawada in the unique event that pits seven of the world’s best male riders against seven top female jockeys.
“The Saudi Cup is established as one of the main events in the racing calendar and I’m very much looking forward to it. The Jockeys Challenge will give me the last chance to ride with some great jockeys from around the world. It will be great fun,” he added.
There is a total of $35.35m prizemoney on offer over the two-day Saudi Cup festival making it the most-valuable race meeting anywhere in the world.