Refuse to Bend ready for QEII, says Dettori

Frankie Dettori is hopeful that Refuse To Bend can return to his very best in what promises to be a mouth-watering renewal of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot tomorrow.

Last year’s 2000 Guineas hero was sent off favourite for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on his last start but was a major disappointment in finishing last of the 11 runners.

However, the title-chasing Italian feels there were legitimate excuses for the Queen Anne and Coral-Eclipse winner as he prepares to renew rivalry with Sussex victor Soviet Song, whom he beat at the Royal meeting.

“I think the combination of Ascot and then Eclipse was probably a bit too much for him and then the race at Goodwood just didn’t go right,” he said.

“I couldn’t get him to settle, we went flat out and died. It was a disaster. He won’t do that again. We are running a pacemaker and I imagine I will try to get him into a good prominent position early on. As he stays a mile and a quarter, he is going to appreciate getting a good test back at a mile.”

“He has had a nice midsummer break and his work is very good so I am hoping for the best. We know what he can do.”