If Frankie beats Emily Upjohn, it will be the first time he goes to his old boss since last year’s meeting. She said: “John hasn’t changed at all, he’s still my boss!” He laughed.
The 4-year-old is one of the favorites to win this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup and will make his final track appearance before retirement.
He last won a race against Dettori in the Coronation Cup last June and was reunited with an old friend yesterday morning after a good run on the Del Mar turf.
“It’s been over a year since I rode Emily and I think I’m the last person to win with her,” Dettori said.
“He looked good on the pitch and I think we can train him more tomorrow and get him playing as soon as possible.”
“It’s great to be him again and take orders from John. It’s as good as ever!”The 53-year-old Italian has been living in the US for a year and has fallen in love with life in California.
He said: “I wake up early and go to bed early. My wife Catherine and I do yoga at the gym every day.
“It’s not unusual in this country to cycle into your 50s, and in the UK everyone is waiting for you to retire!”
“I needed that challenge and it really got me going. It isn’t easy, I have been traveling a lot, crossing the country with eight suitcases, but I really enjoyed it and it went better than I thought.
“Gosden, who arrived in San Diego Tuesday night, was there to watch Dettori test Emily Upjohn.
He said: “The rider is very good at this stage of her career for this lifestyle and we are delighted to be able to return this mare.
“We decided to take a chance and try turf with him. I think three turns and a long track suits him well and we think he has a good chance.”
