Dettori Masters Italian Derby

Frankie Dettori won the Italian Derby on Darley colt Mastery in Rome on Saturday and will now attempt to complete a classic double at Epsom Downs on June 6.

Mastery settled within striking distance of the leaders and then lengthened stride on Dettori’s cue to score an authoritative victory at Capannelle Racecourse.

“It was a tough contest but he did it really well,” trainer Saeed bin Suroor said.  “We are looking at the English Derby next month but will consult with Sheikh Mohammed before making a final decision.”

Mastery was making his first start for Godolphin and Suroor.  He won at Nottingham in October for Sheikh Hamdan and trainer Mark Johnston and was last seen finishing fourth to Mafaaz in the Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton Park.

Godolphin had already won the Italian classic, which was downgraded to a Group 2 this year, with Central Park in 1998 and Mukhalif in 1999.

Mastery is by French Derby winner Sulamani (Hernando) who stands at Darley’s Haras du Logis nursery in France.  He second dam Cherokee Rose was a G1 winner in England (Haydock Park Sprint Cup) and France (Prix Maurice de Gheest) for Sheikh Mohammed.

Mastery is a half brother to Godolphin’s Italian Group 1 winner Kirklees (Jade Robbery).