Dettori hails Goodwood Cup mount as 'people's favourite'

Michael Bell's stayer has won the race for the previous two seasons but this year it is being run as a Group One for the first time.

Big Orange was one of a handful of winners Dettori missed at Royal Ascot through injury and he was with family in Italy when watching James Doyle partner him to a popular victory in the Gold Cup, a performance he insisted had left him delighted rather than disappointed he hadn't been on board.

Speaking to Sportinglife.com, Dettori said: "I took great lengths to speak to James and that way it kept me involved. It was a wonderful race to watch - nerve-wracking because I wanted the horse to win.

"I am good friends with the Gredleys and I have been Bill's neighbour for 18 years. I was shouting for him. What a race.

"Let's hope we get a repeat at Goodwood. He tries so hard and he is the people's favourite.

"I think it's the horse everybody wants to see win at Goodwood. He wears his heart on his sleeve and has got a will to win and everybody likes that."

Click here to watch our video interview with Frankie ahead of next week's Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Big Orange, the 10/11 favourite in Sky Bet's updated market, is one of 18 remaining possible starters, with fellow Royal Ascot winners Stradivarius and Oriental Fox also in the mix.

Cesarewitch winner Sweet Selection, Northumberland Plate hero Higher Power and the consistent Sheikhzayedroad are others in contention.

Dal Harraild, Pallasator, Prince Of Arran, Us Army Ranger and last year's Irish St Leger winner Wicklow Brave are others of interest.