RACING CONFIDENTIAL: The Cheltenham contender everyone has written off too soon - and how you can capitalise to win big
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What an awful situation it has been to watch the devastation unfold in Los Angeles and the wildfires have touched every corner of society. Some blazes have been close to Santa Anita racetrack, one of the most picturesque venues in the world, and Frankie Dettori – who moved to California to start a new life last year – has seen the situation develop at close quarters.
![[The fires ravaged through the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood (pictured) of LA last week]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/11/94109527-14287335-The_Palisades_Fire_ravages_a_neighborhood_amid_high_winds_in_the-a-3_1736940040372.jpg)
Dettori has been inundated with messages on social media, with fans asking about his welfare and he took to social media late on Saturday night to post a video to allay worries. The Italian and his wife, Catherine, have been fortunate not to be affected but the impact on the area has been huge.
![[The aftermath of the destructive wildfires, which have led to thousands losing their homes]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/11/94109521-14287335-The_sun_rises_behind_a_home_destroyed_by_the_Palisades_Fire_in_t-a-4_1736940044302.jpg)
There was no racing in Santa Anita last weekend – 'quite rightly so,' said Dettori – and the course, which has staged the Breeders Cup 11 times, is being used as a charity drop-off point, while a power company is using one of the parking lots to work on reconnecting electricity in the area.
![[Indiana Dram, owned by JP McManus (above), is set to make his stable debut at Windsor]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/11/94116871-14287335-image-a-6_1736940844264.jpg)
Though training continues at the track – there are many stables (barns) based there and each morning is a sight to behold when racing fans gather at the famous Clocker’s Corner to watch gallops – and the air quality is good at the moment, the appetite for any kind of entertainment is absent.
![[The gelding won his first three races for Willie Mullins (above) before being hit with injuries]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/11/94116815-14287335-image-a-7_1736940862497.jpg)
‘There is just devastation everywhere,’ said Dettori. ‘My heart goes out to everyone. Fingers crossed we will pass through this. Let’s hope these fires stop soon.’. Jockey Frankie Dettori – who moved to California to start a new life last year – has seen the impact of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, despite fortunately not being affected himself.
![[Racing Confidential has learned that City of Troy has settled into his new surrounds with ease]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/11/94117153-14287335-image-a-8_1736941233637.jpg)
