3 minute read

‘Frankie is the best man to have on board’.

Simon Crisford will be banking on some Frankie Dettori magic to overcome stall 10 on A'Ali in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Friday.

The son of Society Rock has already won the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Prix Robert Papin at Deauville and the Flying Childers at Doncaster last season and connections are hoping he can crown his tremendous campaign with victory in America.

Ed Crisford, assistant to his father, said: "He doesn't have the best draw (10 of 12), but they will go very quick and Frankie is the best man to have on board.

"He has a really good turn of foot, which he has displayed in most of his races, but he couldn't do that in the Prix Morny as it was testing ground over six furlongs and he really is a five-furlong horse.

"Over five he must be one of the best two-year-olds in the world, but it is his first time round a bend in a race. To get him ready for that we took him to Wolverhampton, where he handled everything really well – changing his leads and showing the balance that he needs."

Archie Watson's Band Practice, James Tate's Dream Shot and Tom Dascombe's Dr Simpson also feature, as do Joseph O'Brien's Alligator Alley and Aidan O'Brien's King Neptune.

Wesley Ward has a formidable hand with Kimari, Four Wheel Drive and Cambria all serious contenders.

Arizona and Fort Myers represent Aidan O'Brien in the Juvenile Turf – a race the Ballydoyle handler has already won four times.

Arizona – winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot during the summer – is the clear first string after placing behind the brilliant Pinatubo in the National Stakes and the Dewhurst on his last couple of starts.

O'Brien said: "Arizona is out a little wider than I would have preferred (12 of 14), but I think this ground is going to suit him and his form with Pinatubo in the Dewhurst is a strong factor to take into the race."