Frankie Dettori Ascot rides on Saturday's Champions Day rated
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
After the long farewell tour, Frankie Dettori shocked absolutely nobody by putting plans to retire from the saddle on hold.
The iconic Italian is heading across the pond to continue his riding career, which means Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday is set to be his final appearance in Britain.
It has been a superb season for Dettori, 52, with the 2000 Guineas, Oaks and Coronation Cup among the highlights so can he sign off with a flourish?
The latest British Champions Day odds can be found on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise details of Frankie Dettori’s rides at Ascot on Saturday are below.
Ascot 1.15 – Trawlerman
The 2022 Ebor winner has scored by a combined 31l on his last two assignments – including the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes when partnered by Dettori – but this represents a huge step up in class.
Paddy Power’s betting suggests the British Champions Long Distance Cup will be a battle between Kyprios and Trueshan so Trawlerman is likely to be playing for the minor places.
TIMEFORM VERDICT: Last year’s Ebor victor who resumed at the top of his game when routing a small field in a Salisbury conditions event (14f) last month. Completed a simple task when following up in a Newmarket listed contest and will be bidding to better his third-place finish in this 12 months ago.
*** (out of *****)
The banker of the day for a few people on X – or Twitter if you still deal in old currency – as Frankie attempts to steer Kinross to back-to-back victories in the British Champions Sprint Stakes.
Shaquille’s absence at final declarations means the six-year-old is a warm order at the head of our market.
TIMEFORM VERDICT: Impressive when doubling his tally at Group 1 level in this race 12 months ago and looked as good as ever this time around, landing Group 2’s at Goodwood/York. Produced another fine effort when second in Prix de la Foret latest and he looks sure to make a bold bid to defend his crown.
*****
Ascot 2.25 – Free Wind
After failing to fire for Dettori in last month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Free Wind is pitched back against her own sex, but the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes looks a competitive encounter.
TIMEFORM VERDICT: Very smart mare who won at York on her return and she returned to the very pick of her form when a head-second in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks in August. Never really a factor pitched into the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last time but demands respect back against her own sex.
****
Ascot 3.05 – Chaldean
The horse that gave Frankie a fourth victory in the 2000 Guineas will be his penultimate ride of the afternoon – and it looks a difficult assignment for the Classic winner.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes has attracted a field of 11 including Ballydoyle superstar Paddington, leading fillies Nashwa and Tahiyra as well as high-class French colt Big Rock.
TIMEFORM VERDICT: Frankel colt who progressed at a rate of knots last season, completing the 4-timer in Dewhurst at Newmarket. Resumed winning ways in 2000 Guineas at Newmarket but was quickly brushed aside by Paddington in St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot. Well held in Prix Jean Prat since. Off 104 days.
***
Ascot 3.45 – King of Steel
The monster that is King Of Steel has the pressure of being Dettori’s last ride in Britain – assuming he doesn’t u-turn on that as well…
The three-year-old finished second in the Epsom Derby on seasonal reappearance before scoring at Royal Ascot in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. He was a creditable third in the King George and also finished fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes – a race that contributed to Amo Racing and Kevin Stott parting ways and opening up this ride for Dettori.
It looks a tough renewal of the Champion Stakes as last year’s winner Bay Bridge, Juddmonte International scorer Mostahdaf and impressive French raider Horizon Dore have all been declared.
TIMEFORM VERDICT: Massive improvement on return for a new yard when finding only Auguste Rodin too good in the Derby, going clear but collared late. Easy winner of Group 2 at the Royal meeting here next time and back to best on his first go at this trip when fourth in Irish Champion 6 weeks ago. Major player.
- Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips for Champions Day on Saturday
- Ruby Walsh’s horse racing tips at Ascot on Saturday
- Champion Stakes tips and runner-by-runner guide to Ascot 3.45 on Saturday
- Queen Elizabeth II Stakes tips and runner-by-runner guide to Ascot 3.05 on Saturday
- British Champions Day: Your ultimate guide to Saturday’s Ascot meeting
- When is the 2000 Guineas 2024? Newmarket date, start time, runners and betting
- When is the 1000 Guineas 2024? Newmarket date, start time, runners and betting
