Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today's Observations features a leading G1 Investec Derby contender.
2.45 Epsom, Cond, £50,000, 3yo, 10f 18yT
CRACKSMAN (GB) Frankel (GB)">Frankel {GB}) is one of two John Gosden representatives in this Investec Derby Trial and the pick of Frankie Dettori. Anthony Oppenheimer still has the memory of a Derby victory fresh in his mind and there has been a buzz around Newmarket for this homebred maiden winner and descendant of the 1000 Guineas heroine On the House (Fr) (Be My Guest). Both winners of the “Golden Horn” maiden at Nottingham in October are in attendance, with Cracksman's stablemate Tartini (Giant's Causeway) recording the faster time. George Strawbridge's half-brother to his G1 St Leger hero Lucarno (Dynaformer) and fellow group-winning full-brothers Thought Worthy and Flying Officer may have more to offer than the other division scorer Youmkin (Street Cry {Ire}). Godolphin's full-brother to the operation's G2 Champagne S. scorer Saamidd (GB), nicknamed “Pegasus” before his wings were clipped by Frankel (GB), is–like that talented but quirky performer–handled by Saeed bin Suroor.
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