Jockey Frankie Dettori, who will partner G1 Epsom Derby favorite Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) for the first time in that June 6 Classic, told At The Races Golden Horn's John Gosden stable companion Jack Hobbs (GB) (Halling)–runner-up to the favorite with Dettori aboard in the G2 Dante S. May 14–is one of the rivals he will fear most Saturday.
“I'm scared of Jack Hobbs; the horse has improved since the Dante and he stays well,” Dettori said.
Godolphin bought an interest in Jack Hobbs after the Dante, meaning one of that operation's retained riders would partner the colt in the Derby. One of those riders, William Buick, rode Golden Horn in the Dante, and therefore that mount was left open for Dettori's taking. While many believe Golden Horn's stamina concerns could get him beat Saturday, Dettori said his “gut feeling” is that his mount will stay.
“He is favorite; we know what he's made of,” Dettori said. “The same question keeps coming up: Will he stay? My gut feeling says yes, so it's fingers crossed now as his preparation has gone well.”
Dettori also noted he will not underestimate the Aidan O'Brien-trained trio of Hans Holbein (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}), Kilimanjaro (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and Giovanni Canaletto (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
“Their forte is that they are all good stayers so I'm sure they are going to make a race of it,” the rider said. “The [G3] Chester Vase winner [Hans Holbein] looked a good stayer. You can never dismiss Aidan O'Brien; he's a master, and whatever he runs you have to respect.”
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