Report: Dettori could ride for McPeek at Epsom Derby

If things go Kenny McPeek's way, he'll have Maximum Promise in the Group 1 Epsom Derby this year with Frankie Dettori aboard, according to multiple media reports.

Dettori built a stellar career in Europe, with two wins in the Epsom Derby, but he relocated to the U.S. in 2023. Based in California initially, he moved his tack east this year.

Maximum Promise is 1-for-5 and most recently finished third in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park with Dettori riding him for the first time. The Maximum Security colt broke his maiden in his second start last year, then was fifth in the Lecomte (G3) and third in the the John Battaglia Memorial.

"I would love to think I could bring Frankie over to ride Maximum Promise as he's someone who knows his way round there," McPeek told the PA news agency.

"I showed him this horse in January and told him my idea and said to him, 'this is the horse we could go to Epsom with.'

"He came to the stables and we looked at him together and I said 'you can ride him' and we'll figure out if he fits the bill or not."

Maximum Promise will make his next start in the American Turf (G1) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, according to the reports. McPeek said that "if he runs what I call a good race, finishing fourth or better, then I'm going to bring him to Epsom."