Frankie Dettori aims to lift Epsom gloom with win on farewell ride in the Derby

The build-up to the race has been dogged by worries. For instance, train strikes are certain to have a damaging impact on the attendance. Thousands normally flock to the Downs by train, but the three nearby stations, Epsom, Epsom Downs and Tattenham Corner, will all be closed.

The numbers watching on TV are also sure to be down because the Derby falls on the same day as the FA Cup final. And not just any other FA Cup final. Rather, the eagerly-awaited crunch clash between champions Manchester City and their envious arch rivals, Manchester United.

To guarantee the race is shown on ITV’s main channel, instead of being consigned to ITV4, Epsom has agreed to it being hauled forward from its usual slot to as early as 1.30 pm.

To add even more gloom to one of racing’s biggest days, the threat of protests by the Animal Rising action group lingers, even though The Jockey Club, owners of Epsom, have won a High Court injunction, forbidding disruption. The group says it still plans to try and stop the race, so similar scenes to those which delayed the Grand National are likely.

Amid all the foreboding, the Derby needs a feelgood fairytale to lift the spirits – and there would be few more fitting than victory for the country’s favourite jockey, Dettori, on his last ride in the Betfred-sponsored £1.5 million contest.

The 52-year-old’s farewell season, before he retires, has already started in grand style with success in the first Classic of the season, the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last month, on Chaldean.

Now he is gunning for this third triumph in the Derby, triggering another of his trademark flying dismounts, after glory on Authorized in 2007 and subsequent Arc winner Golden Horn in 2015.

The good news is that he has a fine chance aboard a son of the mighty Frankel, ARREST, trained by his faithful ‘guvnor’ John Gosden and winner of one of the key trials, the Boodles Chester Vase. What’s more, it is an appropriate name, given that Animal Rising arrests are likely to hog the post-race headlines.

The bad news is that both Dettori and Gosden have expressed their fears that Arrest won’t be suited to Epsom’s unique camber and undulations, especially if the ground is quickish, as looks likely, while a wide draw of 13 from 14 could be debilitating.

Nevertheless, his form stacks up in relation to many of his main rivals. As a two-year-old last season, he was only just touched off at Group One level in the French mud by DUBAI MILE, who finished a highly creditable fifth in the Guineas and is sure to improve for Saturday’s extra distance.