Anthony Oppenheimer's Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is a potential starter in the June 1 G1 Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom in place of the side-lined Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). The highest-rated horse in Europe last year, the G1 QIPCO Champion S. hero resumed with a superb reappearance in last month's G1 Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp. Connections initially suggested the son of Frankel could head for the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh before lining up in the G1 Prince of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot, while the brilliant Arc heroine Enable was due to make her reappearance in the Coronation Cup.
However, Enable was subsequently ruled out until August at the earliest after suffering a setback and after discussing plans with trainer John Gosden over the weekend, Cracksman's owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer has revealed his charge may now be re-routed to Epsom.
“We had a discussion about it and we are certainly considering running him at Epsom,” said Oppenheimer. “I don't think we've made a final decision on it. Much will depend on the ground, as we wouldn't want to run him if it's firm. He's been to Epsom twice, winning once and finishing third in the Derby, and although he's got a long stride he seemed to handle the track fine.”
Oppenheimer also did not scupper Royal Ascot dreams out of hand, although his 4-year-old would only have 19 days between the Coronation and the Prince of Wales's.
He said, “That's certainly a possibility. That [Prince of Wales's S.] is still a target.”
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