Frankie's Back with His Royal Ascot Gold - Two Horses That'll Make You Rich (Or Broke)

By Lewis Barnett 16 June, 2025 5 mins read 174 Views

Listen, I've been watching Frankie Dettori pick winners since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and when the man speaks, you bloody well listen.

The legend himself just dropped his two absolute bankers for Royal Ascot this week. And get this - one of them is a £100,000 Willie Mullins monster that apparently has "loads of ability." Yeah, I'm already reaching for my wallet too.

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Why I Trust a Man Who Filed for Bankruptcy

Look, I know what you're thinking. Frankie filed for bankruptcy back in March, so maybe taking financial advice from him isn't the smartest move. But here's teh thing - the man knows horses like I know disappointment. Intimately.

He's not even riding at Ascot this week. Turned down the opportunity completely. Said he'll be there with a couple glasses of bubbly instead, which honestly sounds like the better deal to me.

If anyone's earned the right to get tipsy at the races, it's the guy who pulled off the Magnificent Seven.

Sober: The Horse That's Anything But

Frankie's first banker is aptly named Sober - running in the Queen Alexandra Stakes on Saturday evening. The irony isn't lost on me.

This six-year-old beast used to race in France for Andre Fabre, won a couple of Group 2s, and earned £275,000 on the Flat before Mullins snatched him up at auction last October for six figures.

Willie kept him wrapped up all winter like a Christmas present. Then unleashed him at Killarney last month in what looked like a nothing race.

Poor punters. Started at 5-6, got hammered down to 4-11. The horse won, obviously, even though jumping looked about as natural to him as me doing ballet.

Frankie's exact words: "I couldn't leave him out - Willie Mullins. His runner in the Queen Alexandra Stakes - Sober."

Short and sweet. That's confidence talking.

Shadow Of Light - Because Obvious Picks Are for Amateurs

His second banker runs Friday in the £650,000 Wokingham. Shadow Of Light caught everyone's eye in the 2,000 Guineas, and now they're dropping him back to six furlongs.

This is where Frankie gets clever. He's backing the Godolphin runner for Charlie Appleby while everyone else will pile onto Field Of Gold in the St James's Palace Stakes.

"He showed great speed in the Guineas and, with most of the good horses going to the St James's Palace, I think this leaves the door open for him to show his stuff," Frankie explained.

Then he added with that trademark grin: "Field Of Gold would have been a bit too obvious!"

The Reality Check Nobody Asked For

Here's what I'm thinking after three cups of coffee and way too much research.

Sober's got the pedigree - son of Camelot, Group race winner, cost more than my car. But he's jumping fences now when he made his money on the Flat. It's like asking Messi to play rugby.

Shadow Of Light? That Guineas run was genuinely eye-catching. Showed serious pace before fading. Six furlongs might be his sweet spot, and Appleby knows what he's doing with these types.

My editor bet me £20 that I'd chicken out and not back both. His response when I told him about this article: "already updating my resume."

God, I feel stupid now, but I'm probably going to follow Frankie's lead anyway. The man's forgotten more about racing than most of us will ever know.

Just remember - only bet what you can afford to lose, set limits, adn for the love of all that's holy, don't chase your losses when these horses inevitably finish last because I jinxed them by writing this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a horse be determined to be fit for a race before it starts?

Fitness is measured by veterinary check-ups, trainer observations, as well as performance in workouts. Trainers watch for changes in the horse's behavior during training while vets are looking out for signs that it is injured or sick. The behavior of the horse in the days leading up to the race is also a good indicator of its readiness to compete.

What are the factors that influence a horse race's outcome?

The result of a race is affected by many variables, such as the physical condition, the breeding and the training of the horse. Additionally, the jockey's skill and experience, the track conditions, distance, and the weight carried by the horse are crucial factors. Weather is also a factor, since some horses are better at performing on specific surfaces or in certain conditions.

What is the significance of the horse's bloodline in racing?

The bloodline indicates the inherited characteristics passed down by its ancestors. This may include speed and stamina. Breeders will often look at the horse's pedigree in order to predict its future and match stallions up with mares who have desirable characteristics.

How do race horse trainers prepare them for racing?

The trainers prepare horses for racing with a methodical approach that includes physical conditioning, nutrition and mental training. They design customized workout routines designed to increase strength, speed and stamina. The trainers ensure that the horses are eating a healthy diet to maintain their energy and health. They also provide a stable routine and care for them so they can remain focused and calm.

What type of surfaces do horse races take place on?

Horse races take place on different surfaces such as dirt, synthetic tracks, and turf (grass). The surface type can have a different effect on the performance of a horse. Some horses may even show preference or superior abilities for certain surfaces. Condition changes, like a wet track due to rain, can also dramatically affect the outcome of a race.

Statistics

Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
The Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.
There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.
The Thoroughbred industry in the United Kingdom heralds over £3 billion in economic output annually.
The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.

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How To

How To Analyze Track Conditions for Horse Racing

Understanding how the different surfaces impact a horse’s performance is key to analyzing track conditions. Dirt tracks can vary from fast and firm to sloppy and muddy due to weather. Turf courses can be as variable, with 'yielding'being used to describe a lot of give. Synthetic surfaces are more consistent than natural ones, but they can be affected by the temperature. Past performances are often indicative of a horse’s liking for certain conditions. Check the track's condition and how it may have changed since the last race before placing your bets.