Mr Dinos Gives Dettori Something to Think About

Jockey Frankie Dettori won't be riding him in Royal Ascot's Gold Cup this summer, but Mr Dinos could give him pause after his impressive prep win in the Bonusprint Henry II Stakes (Eng-II) Monday at Sandown.

Dettori will be committed to Godolphin's Mamool in the Gold Cup. But he told the Racing Post he's impressed with the Paul Cole-trained Mr. Dinos, who won the two-mile plus Henry II by 2 1/2 lengths in 3:30.2 on a good to firm course.

"I like him a lot," said Dettori. "That was a tremendous performance first time out. He's done well over the winter. He's going to be very hard to get by. We will give him a big race but he must be a big danger in the Gold Cup."

The Irish-bred 4-year-old son of Desert King held third when Dettori pushed him to challenge for the lead three furlongs from home. He kicked to the front two furlongs out and ran on strongly, skipping away from Pole Star, who edged Kasthari by a neck. Persian Punch was fourth.

"Frankie said he'd like to ride him in the Gold Cup," said Cole. "The trip will be fine and he had some wonderful performances behind him last year. I just wanted to get a run into him beforehand. I've had a lot with runny noses in the yard so I hope to keep him clear of it."