Frankie Dettori: What Lies Ahead as Horse Racing's Greatest Icon Exits the Stage?
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- By Dustin Pollard
- 04 Dec 2025
Greetings from Del Mar near San Diego, California, where the second day of the Breeders’ Cup 2025 has commenced. It also represents the concluding day of elite competition for legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, as he prepares for retirement after an illustrious 40-year career.
Here is the complete lineup of races for today at Del Mar racetrack, displaying start times in GMT:
This race had been anticipated to be among the more competitive editions of this unique seven-furlong competition for female horses. However, vet checks resulted in multiple withdrawals earlier today, including top contenders Sweet Azteca as well as Tamara.
As a result, the field looks much smaller, though conditioner Bob Baffert has a major opportunity to secure his 20th Breeders’ Cup win. His runners include Richi along with Splendora, whereas Hope Road, winner of the Grade One Ballerina Stakes, is considered the primary threat.
Top Pick: HOPE ROAD
One of the leading European hopes, Arizona Blaze, was scratched on Saturday, but attention remains on Khaadem and jockey Frankie Dettori, who aim to build on a recent Grade One win from the Woodford Stakes.
Other notable runners are Bucanero Fuerte as well as She’s Quality, both holding solid form. The US-trained competitors like Motorious, Ag Bullet, and Reef Runner present significant threats, especially Ag Bullet showing elite-level ability in the Jaipur Stakes.
Selection: AG BULLET
Approximately 15 minutes until post time in the Filly and Mare Sprint, the latest odds on the US tote include:
Beyond Dettori’s rides, additional standouts on the card include Rebel’s Romance, aiming to join an elite group as a three-time Breeders’ Cup winner. His rivals include Minnie Hauk and Goliath in an outstanding edition of the Turf.
French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is represented by several entrants, including Sahlan in the Mile plus Gezora in the Filly & Mare Turf, hoping to break a long winless streak for French-trained horses at this meeting.
The Classic race offers a thrilling matchup between the top three from last year’s running against two the first three from the Derby.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage and results from Day Two of the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar.
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