Staying the key for Ramonti

Hong Kong: Frankie Dettori concedes both Ramonti and Creachadoir have big challenges to overcome in the Hong Kong International races but the Italian insists the Godolphin horses have the spirit to succeed.

The Derby-winning jockey rides the two Saeed Bin Surour trained beasts in tomorrow's Far Eastern end of year jamboree and gave his exclusive big race analysis to Gulf News.

He said: "Ramonti is one of those horses that it is just a pleasure to be around because he has such a will to win and will give his all for you.

"He's the best miler in Europe and he's earned the right to call himself that with a fantastic season, winning three Group Ones over the summer and you can't argue with that form.

"Of course, the difference now is that he's got to go over 2,000 metres for the first time as opposed to 1,600 and the big question is will he stay?" he queried.

"We will only know the answer after the Hong Kong Cup but he's got it in him, although the pace of the race is going to prove important.

"Also you've got two very, very impressive Hong Kong horses in Viva Pataca and Vengeance Of Rain to beat on their home patch so it's going to prove difficult but Ramonti loves to prove people wrong."

Dettori was less bullish about the chances of Creachadoir who, despite dropping back to his preferred distance in the Hong Kong Mile, has it all to do against high quality opposition including Excellent Art, Darjina and Kongo Rikishio.

"I rode Creachadoir in the morning and he's got a nice feel to him and looks good but it's going to be a big ask for him, there's no doubt."