By Sean Cronin
2nd-EPS, £50,000, Cond, 4-26, 3yo, 10f 18yT, 2:10.73, gd.
CRACKSMAN (GB) (c, 3, Frankel (GB)">Frankel {GB}–Rhadegunda {GB} {SW-Fr}, by Pivotal {GB}), a first-up winner over Newmarket's Rowley Mile in his only prior appearance Oct. 19, recovered from a slightly sluggish start to track the leaders in third after the opening exchanges of this Investec Derby Trial. Taking closer order on the descent to Tattenham Corner into the straight, the 4-6 favourite was shuffled back to fourth with three furlongs remaining and ran on strongly under a tender drive once angled into the clear to reel in Permian (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and deny that rival by a short head in the final stride. “They went no pace, he was truly shut in and couldn't get out, but I was delighted how he picked up,” commented trainer John Gosden. “He is pretty laid back and very inexperienced on the track, and I think [if there was] more pace he would have won easier. I like the fact he finished strong, I'm very pleased with him and he will come on a bundle for it. We will go for another run and, whether it is Chester or York, we will see how he comes out of the race.” Jockey Frankie Dettori added, “He has been very green and lazy at home and we got him here to educate him. Everything fell right, he jumped okay and got a nice tow into the race. They slowed right up and it was a three-furlong sprint, which would not suit him, but at least he learnt how to quicken down the hill and get out of trouble. It was a good, educational run.” The homebred bay is out of Listed Prix Solitude winner Rhadegunda (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and is a half-brother to G3 Solario S. victor Fantastic Moon (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}) and the 2-year-old colt Military Band (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Rhadegunda, herself a half-sister to the dual stakes-placed stayer Halla San (GB) (Halling), is out of a winning daughter of G1 1000 Guineas and G1 Sussex S. heroine On The House (Fr) (Be My Guest), from a family which also includes G1 Coronation S. and G1 Sussex S. victress Rebecca Sharp (GB) (Machiavellian), and MG1SW European highweight and G1 Epsom Derby-winning sire Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, £37,594. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-A E Oppenheimer; B-Hascombe & Valiant Studs (GB); T-John Gosden.
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