By Kevin Kilroy
New Kent, Va (Aug. 9, 2024) — Trainer Cherie DeVaux reported Friday that international superstar Frankie Dettori, a 2022 inductee to the British Hall of Fame, has been named to replace Brian Hernandez, Jr. aboard Klein Racing’s Brilliant Berti, the morning line favorite in the Grade 2 $500,000 Secretariat.
In just four races, Brilliant Berti has racked up three wins, including last out in the American Derby going 1 1/16 miles.
“He’s definitely a horse that continues to improve with racing and maturity,” DeVaux said. “Most of my horses need a race but after he (debuted) at Fair Grounds, Brian was thoroughly impressed with him. When he broke his maiden and in his next start, he broke a little belatedly and then ran himself into a tough spot, but he didn’t do it in his last start so that was another sign of improvement. It’s refreshing when they continue to improve in both aspects.”
With his allowance score coming at the Secretariat distance of one mile, the Noble Mission colt has demonstrated tactical versatility and a dazzling turn of foot.
“He shows that he probably has it within him to go farther,” DeVaux said. “We just have to make sure. He has such a turn of foot but that doesn’t always translate to the longer distances, say a mile and a quarter. We’ll just keep developing him and see where his top is.”
Along with the mount in the Secretariat, Dettori will pilot Milam Racing Stables’s Neecie Marie in the Grade 2 $500,000 Beverly D, which he won in 2004 aboard Godolphin’s Crimson Palace.
With Northern Invader, DeVaux sent out the post-time favorite in 2023 Secretariat who finished fifth after encountering early trouble.
Velazquez to Replace Hernandez Jr. Aboard Medalla Match
With Hernandez, Jr.’s decision to honor his mounts scheduled at Ellis Park on Sunday, hall of famer John Velazquez will pilot Twisted Chaps Racing Stables’ Medalla Match for DeVaux in the $150,000 Andy Guest Stakes, a 5½-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares.
An eight-time winner, including the 2023 Ricks Memorial Stakes, Medalla Match was transferred to Cherie DeVaux’s barn ahead of her 6-year-old campaign. In the first start with her new conditioner, she finished fourth in the Unbridled Song (G3).
“She’s been a really fun filly since she’s come in,” DeVaux said. “The idea is to try and get graded stakes on her because she already has overnight stakes under her belt. She has it within her wheelhouse. Overmatched at Saratoga, the turf was quite firm, but this seems like a spot she is better suited for in terms of numbers.”
Along with a steady series of morning drills at Keeneland since her 8th-place finish in the Intercontinental (G2), the Summer Front mare breezed locally in company with Its Satisfactual on August 3, going four furlongs in :48.60.
Nations Pride, Mischief Magic, and Ancient Rome Arrive at Colonial Downs
Godolphin’s duo of Nations Pride and Mischief Magic arrived at Colonial Downs Friday around 5 a.m. ahead of Sunday’s Festival of Racing program. Both trained by Charlie Appleby and both morning line favorites, Nations Pride was made 9-5 in the Grade 1 Arlington Million; Mischief Magic, 5-2 facing eleven foes in the 5½- furlong $150,000 Van Clief.
European shipper Mrs. Fitrani Hay’s Ancient Rome arrived shortly thereafter. Trained by Charlie Hills, the 5-year-old’s resume includes the Mint Millions (G3) at Kentucky Downs, the Coral Chesterfield Cup (G2), and most recently a second-place finish to the unbeaten Quddwah at Ascot in July’s Summer Mile (G2). Hay was part of Cape Blanco’s ownership group, along with Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, and Michael Tabor, when the Aidan O’Brien trainee captured the 2011 Arlington Million. Hay has two interests in this year’s edition, as her 7-year-old Highland Chief has been entered by trainer Graham Motion.
Moira Set to Arrive Friday Evening
Lanni Bloodstock, Madaket Stables, and SF Racing’s Moira will arrive at Colonial Downs on Friday, set to make her first run across the local turf course in the Grade 2 $500,000 Beverly D. Trained by Kevin Attard, Moira’s resume includes the 2022 Queen’s Plate and the 2023 Canadian Stakes (G2). Tabbed as the morning-line favorite, she has finished in the money in all but two of her 14 starts, including running third to Inspiral and Warm Heart in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).
