Dettori's dirty dozen

Striking stalls handlers threatened to disrupt it, while an outbreak of the equine virus strangles caused another worrying hiccup in the build-up.

However, the Vodafone Derby goes ahead tomorrow, with a crowd of 120,000 expected for a race which features a compelling showdown between Frankie Dettori and Kieren Fallon.

Dettori remains the charismatic darling of the casual punter, despite having tried and failed to win the great race 11 times, while the brooding Fallon treads a much more troubled path but is adored by hardened backers for his refusal to give an inch when things get tough.

The two are good friends off the track, but all that will be forgotten when the stalls burst open for a race which looks relatively straightforward to assess from a tactical viewpoint.

Fallon seldom strays too far from the heels of the leaders in the Derby and will almost certainly be stalking them from an early stage on North Light, while Dettori gave Snow Ridge plenty to do in the 2,000 Guineas and is likely to favour patient tactics again until halfway.

Then comes the headlong spin round Tattenham Corner and a long, undulating straight which slopes sharply towards the inside and can scupper the chance of any horse who lacks balance or staying power.