Frankie Dettori salutes the crowd after Golden Horn's Investec Derby win© Photo Healy Racing
Frankie Dettori indicated he's likely to change tactics and set the pace on Golden Horn as the Investec Derby hero puts his unbeaten record on the line in this afternoon's Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
The ten-furlong Group 1 is likely to be a tactical affair with just four rivals lining up against the John Gosden-trained hot-favourite.
Dettori, speaking on Channel 4's Morning Line this morning, wants to make full use of Golden Horn's proven stamina as well as the 11lb he receives from four older rivals.
"He's been in good shape (since the Derby). I've only rode him once and he's been in good form, as good as he was in the Derby, so we are very pleased with his preparation.
"The mile and a quarter is no problem, he stays a mile and a half. He gets an 11lb pull and you want to make that weight count. The way to make it count is to go a decent pace.
"Looking at the race I'll have to do it myself but if somebody goes faster than me and gives me a lead that is better for me. But it looks now as if I'll have to do all the dirty work.
"He's a very exciting horse to have. In an ideal world I would like a strong run race and a bigger field but I'm very confident he's going to run a huge race and I can't wait to get down there today.
"Being drawn one forces my hand a bit to make the running as I don't want to get boxed in. When you have an outside draw you can look at the others and see what they are doing.
"I'm riding an unbeaten Derby winner we know that stays so you have to make the first move, be positive and make it a decent gallop and make the 11lb count. It's a heck of a lot of weight to give away, and it's to my advantage to make it a true run race."
