Racing: Dettori pursues lira on Mukhalif

FRANKIE DETTORI has fine prospects of winning the Italian Derby on Mukhalif in Rome tomorrow. The Godolphin-owned colt was runner-up to Beat All at Newmarket in April.

The John Dunlop-trained Lightning Arrow (Richard Quinn) and Sir Michael Stoute's Iscan (Kieren Fallon), the Chester Vase second and third, also run.

Jimmy Fortune rides Bombard, Paul Cole's Dee Stakes third, and this colt completes the British line-up in the Group One event.

Yeoman's Point (Michael Kinane), Aidan O'Brien's Glanbia Classic Trial winner, represents Ireland. It is 11 years since an Italian-trained horse won. Bagni di Petriolo and Timboroa could prove best of the home team.

Alrassam, who disappointed in the 2,000 Guineas, recaptured his sparkle at Haydock yesterday and the Eclipse Stakes is now a possible target.

Mick Jarvis, who trains the colt, said: "We'll sit on the fence for now and see how he is. But 10 furlongs looks a possible trip for him now and I'm sure he'd be better with a stronger gallop."

Alrassam beat Teapot Row by half a length with long-time absentee Sorbie Tower producing a noteworthy comeback in finishing a further half-length back in third.

Sorbie Tower is definitely on his way to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne Stakes, it was announced later. "A bit more pace and we'd have probably won," insisted trainer Gay Kelleway.