Martyn Meade thrilled to have Frankie-factor in July Cup

Trainer Martyn Meade knows the importance of having Frankie Dettori on board when Advertise goes for glory in Saturday’s July Cup at Newmarket.

The Italian jockey has been enjoying a stunning summer of success, including partnering Advertise to glory in the Commonwealth Cup last month at Royal Ascot. There had been fears that commitments elsewhere might force Dettori off the ante-post favourite but Meade has now been able to confirm he will have his regular rider on board this weekend.

They were winners last season at Newmarket’s July Meeting and the locally-based trainer is hoping for more success. Dettori and Advertise have been beaten only once together, over a mile in the 2,000 Guineas, and the trainer is eager to see them going for Group One glory amongst older horses.

“I’m very pleased to have Frankie on board again as it’s a combination which works well. Frankie rode Advertise at the July meeting last year so let’s hope we get the same result,” Meade declared.

“I’m not sure you’d say they have a special relationship yet, and I don’t suppose Frankie would have stuck with Advertise if Too Darn Hot had been running, but they clearly get on very well and it’s great to have that consistency. It gives the horse confidence and it gives all of us confidence too.”

First-time blinkers appeared to have a positive effect in the Commonwealth Cup, but Meade has not yet decided if they will be retained for Saturday’s big race.

“It was important for us to win that particular race and the blinkers paid off, but I don’t think they’re essential and whether we declare them again remains to be seen.

They were specifically to get him tuned up for that race,” he added. Advertise is favourite at 4.00 to win the July Cup at Newmarket.