FRANKIE DETTORI'S new employers, the Tote, were prepared to offer odds on him becoming the 1997 champion jockey and they are probably regretting their decision already.
As Doncaster kicked off the new turf season, Britain's three leading bookmakers declined to quote, believing it a formality that Dettori will wrest back his crown.
But the Tote, who announced that they have signed up Dettori to advertise and promote their products, offered 1 to 6 that he will regain the title he won in 1994 and 1995.
Even that short price looks generous after Dettori's first day double aboard the John Gosden trained pair Canyon Creek and Miracle Kid.
Canyon Creek, winner of a Pontefract maiden on his only previous outing, appeared to face a stiff task in the Sporting Life Doncaster Mile.
He showed that he has made substantial improvement when quickening past the favourite Yeast and stretching clear to score by an easy four lengths.
Canyon Creek is entered for the Sandown Mile next month but Anthony Stroud, Sheikh Mohammed's racing manager, indicated that the colt might travel to France where there are several openings.
Dettori was earlier not troubled to steer Miracle Kid to an emphatic victory in the Back A Winner, By Train Handicap. The colt is an entry for both the 2,000 Guineas and Derby but is unlikely to reach that standard.
Blueridge Dancer landed the Tote Benvenuto Brocklesby Stakes to boost trainer Brian Meehan ahead of his bid to win tomorrow's Lincoln with Tumbleweed Ridge.
Blueridge Dancer is not even two - his birthday is April 30th - but he was precocious enough to take care of 15 rivals. "We're going to leave him alone for a bit now as he's just started growing but we might bring him back for something like the Garter Stakes at Ascot" said Meehan.
The trainer is confident that the well backed Tumbleweed Ridge will make a bold show in the Lincoln.
Reigning champion Pat Eddery, quoted at 12 to 1 by the Tote to retain his title, narrowly missed out on Ellens Lad in the Mitsubishi Diamond Vision Handicap.
. Changes to the fixture list are, being considered by the BHB which may result in Doncaster's Lincoln meeting being moved in 1998 and the end of the season being, extended into the late autumn.
