Here comes the Sun for Frankie
The popular Italian was marked down for stablemate Sabotage when the declarations were made yesterday with Ted Durcan aboard last year’s Cesarewitch winner, but that situation has now reversed.
Darley Sun rose through the ranks last term for David Simcock and signed off for the campaign with a stunning victory in the Cesarewitch in the style of a rapidly-improving horse.
Sabotage was partnered by Dettori on his most recent start when second to Godolphin stablemate Claremont at Newbury.
Nicky Henderson’s Swinton Hurdle winner Eradicate is a fascinating contender on the top-class Esher card.
Last seen on the level finishing third in a Deauville Group Three for Mark Johnston in August 2008, the six-year-old has since shown a high level of form over timber.
Also declared is Michael Jarvis’ progressive Opinion Poll, who turned a Nottingham Listed race into a procession on his seasonal reappearance.
However, he will only take part if the ground is suitable.
William Knight’s Illustrious Blue, who landed the Sagaro Stakes on his first attempt at two miles, and the Michael Stoute-trained Saptapadi are other interesting contenders.
Balkan Knight, Furmigadelagiusta, Akmal and Montaff make up the classy field.
Meanwhile, Eddie Ahern will be replaced by Olivier Peslier aboard Elusive Pimpernel in the French Derby at Chantilly on June 6.
Ahern has ridden the brilliant Craven Stakes winner on four of his five starts.
Peslier is a seasoned campaign at Chantilly and won the French Derby in 1997 aboard Peintre Celebre.
Trainer John Dunlop said: “Olivier has ridden winners for me in England and France and has a great deal of experience of Chantilly.
“I think the step up to a mile and a quarter is definitely what Elusive Pimpernel wants.”
