Trainer Cherie DeVaux reported Friday that international superstar Frankie Dettori, a 2022 inductee to the British Hall of Fame, has been named to replace Brian Hernandez, Jr. aboard Klein Racing’s Brilliant Berti, the morning line favorite in the Grade 2 $500,000 Secretariat.

In just four races, Brilliant Berti has racked up three wins, including last out in the American Derby going 1 1/16 miles.

“He’s definitely a horse that continues to improve with racing and maturity,” DeVaux said. “Most of my horses need a race but after he (debuted) at Fair Grounds, Brian was thoroughly impressed with him. When he broke his maiden and in his next start, he broke a little belatedly and then ran himself into a tough spot, but he didn’t do it in his last start so that was another sign of improvement. It’s refreshing when they continue to improve in both aspects.”

With his allowance score coming at the Secretariat distance of one mile, the Noble Mission colt has demonstrated tactical versatility and a dazzling turn of foot.

“He shows that he probably has it within him to go farther,” DeVaux said. “We just have to make sure. He has such a turn of foot but that doesn’t always translate to the longer distances, say a mile and a quarter. We’ll just keep developing him and see where his top is.”

Along with the mount in the Secretariat, Dettori will pilot Milam Racing Stables’s Neecie Marie in the Grade 2 $500,000 Beverly D, which he won in 2004 aboard Godolphin’s Crimson Palace.

With Northern Invader, DeVaux sent out the post-time favorite in 2023 Secretariat who finished fifth after encountering early trouble.

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