Can Frankie Dettori and Country Grammer make Dubai World Cup history?

Win or lose, Frankie Dettori is sure to receive an emotional send-off after he dismounts from Country Grammer in the 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday.

The charismatic Italian, who is set to retire at the end of the year, is booked on seven of the eight thoroughbred races on the nine-race card that also include a prize for Purebred Arabians.

Dettori, 53, rides Country Grammer, winner of last year's $12 million Dubai World Cup race and bidding to become only the second horse after Godolphin’s Thunder Snow to win the coveted prize twice.

Should he be successful, Dettori will also become the most successful jockey in the history of the Dubai World Cup race with five wins. He is currently tied on four wins with American Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey.

Country Grammer has been consistent. The six-year-old son of Tonalist has never finished lower than fifth, and not beyond the first two in his last nine starts, which includes two runner-up finishes in the $20 million Saudi Cup as well as his victory in the Dubai World Cup last March.

He has won five of his 15 starts, and finishing runner-up six times, once third, and was fourth in his racecourse debut.

However, the Bob Baffert-trained bay will have to deal with a wide draw from Gate 14 in the 15-runner field.

Jimmy Barnes, Baffert’s assistant, is quietly confident Dettori will use all his experience of more than three decades in the saddle to guide Country Grammer to victory.

“It's a mile-and-a-quarter race and we'll leave it up to Frankie and he'll work something out,” Barnes said.

Country Grammer is a stalker and how well Dettori can settle him in the field over the 2,000-metre trip on the dirt surface will be crucial.

“It’s not going to be easy and Stall