Dettori at his best as Cup prospect Holberg books Melbourne visit

From Racing Post UKFRANKIE DETTORI got the fractions spot on aboard Holberg, who led from the start before battling gamely to see off the late challenge of 33-1 outsider Pink Symphony by a short-head in the Foundation Stakes. The Godolphin-owned four-year-old has received a quote of 25/1 from Coral for the Melbourne Cup after a tenacious display.Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said: "He's going into quarantine on Sunday along with Campanologist. I like this horse. Two miles suits him and he could

From Racing Post UK

FRANKIE DETTORI got the fractions spot on aboard Holberg, who led from the start before battling gamely to see off the late challenge of 33-1 outsider Pink Symphony by a short-head in the Foundation Stakes. The Godolphin-owned four-year-old has received a quote of 25/1 from Coral for the Melbourne Cup after a tenacious display.

Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said: "He's going into quarantine on Sunday along with Campanologist. I like this horse. Two miles suits him and he could be good - I think he could run a big race. At the moment he's Frankie's ride. He has 53.5kg and Campanologist has 56kg."

Dettori was keen to secure the early lead and he set a stiff gallop on the 11-10 favourite, who picked up for the entirety of the straight to see off all challengers. Given his ability to stay the Melbourne Cup trip, Dettori was keen to make use of his mount's abundance of stamina and, in winning over 1m2f, posted an impressive warm-up for 'the race that stops a nation'.

Dettori was not afforded an uncontested lead, as is so often the case, with both Bullet Train and Hot Prospect bustled alongand keen to force the pace. Dettori won the early pace battle but was racing from a long way out.

Pink Symphony was settled in fourth, five lengths off the break-neck gallop, with Richard Hughes sitting a further four lengths away on the eventual third Heliodor.

Given the way Bullet Train and Hot Prospect faded, and how far off the pace the second and third travelled, the performance of Holberg was all the more remarkable.

Entering the final furlong it looked as thoughChris Catlin had timed things perfectly on the Fitri Hay-owned filly, getting her head in front. However Dettori pulled out all the stops as he urged his mount back in front to win in a thrilling finish.