Racing: Dettori puts his faith in Byron's potential

Frankie Dettori has opted for Byron from a choice of three Sheikh Mohammed-owned colts in today's featured juvenile contest at Newmarket, the July Stakes.

The Italian has chosen to partner the once-raced son of Green Desert for David Loder in the Group Two contest ahead of Mick Channon's Royal Ascot winner Holborn and another Loder colt, Howick Falls.

"I rode Howick Falls in the Windsor Castle, when five furlongs was too short," Dettori said. "Byron I won a maiden on and Holborn won the Windsor Castle. The most experienced horse would be Holborn. He's been to Ireland. But my fellow has always shown some potential from the first day we worked him.

"He's got that little bit of speed and I'm going to stick with him because, in the long run, I think he will probably be the best out of the three.

"If he has enough experience to win this is another matter. He's only run once and I made the running, so he's never seen another horse. But he feels like a horse who will do well.

Nevisian Lad, purchased recently by Sheikh Mohammed to run in the colours of his son, will offer stern opposition, with Kieren Fallon booked to ride by trainer Michael Bell. The Royal Applause colt finished strongly when third in the Norfolk Stakes on his latest start and looks sure to be suited by the step up to six furlongs.

Mark Johnston, who saddled Russian Valour to win the Norfolk and who has an excellent team of juveniles, runs the Epsom winner Parkview Love. Jamie Osborne saddles Milk It Mick, third in the Chesham Stakes at the Royal meeting and a winner since.