Leading South African jockey Anthony Delpech will accept the call on G1 J&B Met winner Smart Call (SAf) (Ideal World) when she makes her first racetrack appearance in eight months in the G1 Sun Chariot S. at Newmarket Oct. 1, the mare's owner and breeder Jessica Slack confirms. Frankie Dettori has been riding the 5-year-old in trackwork in England, but he is unable to accept the mount in the Sun Chariot due to other commitments.
“I can only confirm the rider on Smart Call in the UK race on 1 Oct.,” Slack told SAHorseracing.com. “Frankie [Dettori], who has been riding her is unable to take the ride due to stable commitments [which he had always said he might have], and Anthony Delpech has kindly said he will ride her for us. He does not have his visa yet, but we are hopeful and will only know for sure on Tuesday next week.”
Smart Call earned a berth in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf with a two-length success in the G1 Maine Chance Farms Paddock S. at Kenilworth Jan. 9 and is using the Sun Chariot as a lead-up race. Slack has yet to commit to a rider for the Breeders' Cup, but told SAHorseracing.com, “Frankie has been so helpful and kind in working Smart Call in Newmarket and he has first option on her if he is available.”
Slack also issued an update on Smart Call's progress, a little more than a week from the Sun Chariot.
“Smart Call seems in great form and we are excited for her first run back, but she has not run since January and has been in quarantine and traveling for four months this year, we cannot underestimate the toll that might have taken,” she explained. “Obviously we hope she runs a great race, but her well-being is our main priority.”
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