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Lady Aurelia impresses Frankie Dettori in York workout

ASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 20:  John Valazquez and Lady Aurelia (centre) win the King's Stand Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on Ju
Image: John Valazquez and Lady Aurelia (centre) win the King's Stand Stakes

Frankie Dettori appeared suitably impressed after putting Lady Aurelia through her paces at York on Friday morning ahead of next week's Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

The popular Italian steered Wesley Ward's filly to victories in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and the Prix Morny at Deauville last season.

Due to injury, Dettori was forced to watch from the sidelines when she returned to the Royal meeting in June, but was thrilled to see her produce another scintillating display under John Velazquez.

She is likely to be a hot favourite to beat her elders again on the Knavesmire next Friday and Dettori is looking forward to being reunited with the American speedball.

After working her up the straight at York, Dettori told Racing UK: "She felt great. I haven't rode her since last year's Cheveley Park. Obviously I saw her before Ascot, but I never actually sat on her.

"She hasn't overly grown, she's still the same size, but she hasn't lost her speed.

"This morning, especially with the tailwind, I felt like I was going a million miles an hour.

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"I let her stretch out to get familiar with the track and she felt great."

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