Red Rocks gives Dettori a double
Saturday, 4 November 2006 22:25Frankie Dettori completed a big-race double on Saturday night with a brilliant victory on Red Rocks in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
The Italian brought Brian Meehan's three-year-old from the rear to make his challenge in the straight.
Leading just inside the final furlong, Red Rocks held off the late surge of strong finisher Better Talk Now with English Channel coming in third.
Icy Atlantic set a fast pace with Rush Bay and Scorpion not far behind.
Hurricane Run was on the heels of the leaders half a mile from home but he quickly faded out of contention.
English Channel looked a big threat but he could find no extra in the closing stages as Red Rocks stormed to victory.
Dettori said: 'I didn't plan to be that far back but they went too fast.
'I let the race unfold in front of me and he came good in the straight - the plan worked.
'They could not keep up that pace, they went ridiculous fractions and I thought I would let them fight first then catch them up.'
Meehan said: 'It's just a culmination of everybody's efforts throughout the year.
'It's been a fantastic year and there have been so many people involved in getting this horse to a race like this. There's an amazing feeling of achievement.
'The times were very quick throughout and Frankie gave him a wonderful ride. He just took his time and let the horse get his balance round the turns and he quickened up really well.'
Scorpion eventually finished fifth and jockey Michael Kinane said: 'It was only his second run back and if he had had the benefit of another run, he would have been sharper.'
Hurricane Run finished a place further behind in sixth.
