Dettori sparkles with Lingfield three-timer
Two Listed events gave the card a touch of quality on a quiet Thursday afternoon, and both were claimed by Saeed bin Suroor and his Italian stable jockey, with the latter in particularly determined mood.
The EBF Normandie Stud Fleur De Lys Fillies’ Stakes was the first of the major events and Dettori was at his strongest as he guided Aspectoflove to a narrow victory. Mosqueras Romance and Ryan Moore looked the likely winners when striking on inside the final furlong but Aspectoflove reeled her in and the pair flashed past the post together. It did not take the judge long to announce 11-10 favourite Aspectoflove as the winner by a short-head.
Dettori was arguably even more brilliant on Baila Me as she landed the EBF Cockney Rebel First Crop Success River Eden Fillies’ Stakes for the second year successive year.
The 5-4 shot made much of the running but looked booked for minor honours when Moore guided last season’s runner-up Rosika into the lead in the straight. But Baila Me came back for more and once again nailed Moore right on the line to take the verdict by a nose.
The first leg of the 7-1 treble came via Quick Wit (8-11), who was much too good in the Lingfield Park Breeders’ Handicap.
Favourite-backers were left cursing their luck as 33-1 chance Adorable Choice sprang a surprise in the EBF Weatherbys “My Stable” Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
Luca Cumani’s Dubai Queen was sent off the strongly-backed 5-4 market leader for the seven-furlong contest but was trapped wide throughout under Kieren Fallon.
Tom Dascombe’s Adorable Choice, meanwhile, was always close to the pace and was sent to the front by Richard Kingscote when rounding the turn for home. Dubai Queen eventually found top gear once straightened up for the finish and closed with a real rattle. But it was too little, too late as Adorable Choice passed the post with half a length in hand.
