Dettori finishes fourth as Summer Festival lands the Derby prize

Capannelle: 135th Derby Italiano (Group 2) | 1m3f, turf, 3yo colts & fillies

Frankie Dettori was out of luck in his bid to win a third Derby Italiano, with his Marco Botti-trained mount Dark Acclaim finishing fourth behind Summer Festival (Alduino Botti/Cristian Demuro) in the 12-runner Classic, having had every chance.

While Dettori and compatriot Andrea Atzeni, who was ninth on Solvang, had little to celebrate, the Botti family – father Alduino plus sons Marco and Stefano – earned the right to party, being responsible for the first six home and collecting the first prize for the sixth time in eight years.

The story of the race was quite simple. The winner made all and the runner-up was chasing him throughout.

The first four held those positions for virtually the whole race, with Dark Acclaim not having the gears to mount a challenge in the final furlong. Those in behind were never able to get in contention.

Poet's Voice: winning sire of Summer FestivalCredit: Edward Whitaker

Winning jockey Cristian Demuro, taking this prize for the third time in four years, set the fractions he wanted on Summer Festival and, as the runner-up tried to bridge the gap during the final quarter mile, he always looked well in control.

The winning margin was a cosy length and a half, with three lengths back to the favourite Flower Power.

The progressive winner, now successful in six of his eights appearances, is by Dalham Hall Stud stallion Poet's Voice, who has been catching the eye with his juvenile winners.

Also on Sunday...

Premio Tudini (Group 3) 6f, turf, 4yo+

Dettori again had to settle for a minor share of the prize-money on his other mount of the day, finishing third aboard the Kevin Ryan-trained Naadirr.

The Doncaster handicap winner came from off the pace and kept closing inside the final furlong, without ever being able to get on terms with the front two.

Victory went to My Lea (Vincenzo Fazio/Carlo Fiocchi), recording his ninth victory in 20 career starts and second at Group 3 level. He was waited with before securing a dream run along the stands' rail to lead inside the final furlong, proving too strong for three-quarter-length runner-up Pretorian, with Naadirr the same margin back in third.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com