Dettori excited for double Gronkowski chance

Rivals Publishing
February 20, 2020 6:00 pm

Frankie Dettori is relishing the chance to ride Gronkowski in both the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup and feels he could do well.

The lightly-raced five-year-old was second in last year’s Dubai showpiece behind Thunder Snow.

He has run only twice since then, finishing third behind Military Law and Saltarin Dubai on December 5 while the son of Lonhro was again third as Benbatl claimed the spoils on February 6 – both times at Meydan.

The form does not look too impressive on paper but the Italian legend is unconcerned and feels the track in Riyadh on February 29 will be right up his street.

‘I’m excited to ride him for two reasons,’ said Dettori.

‘First, he doesn’t have to travel that far from Dubai and I think the track will suit him.

It’s probably the best dirt track I’ve ridden anywhere in my life.

‘It’s got the longest straight; he’ll relish that and is the type of horse that will enjoy the Riyadh track.

‘He had his final prep run the other day and when you see the bare form you might think he’s not run so well.

‘But I spoke with his trainer, Salem bin Ghadayer, and he said it was just a stepping stone for the big day and that he that he wanted me to ride the horse in both races, so I’m super excited.’