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bet365 Racing News |
| Tuesday 1st May 2018 |
Oppenheimer Targets Ascot Glory
Owner Anthony Oppenheimer cannot wait for the rest of Cracksman's season after a blistering start in France on April 29.
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The John Gosden-trained colt ended his three-year-old campaign as the highest-rated horse in Europe and the son of Frankel made a perfect start when leaving some useful rivals flailing in the Prix Ganay at the newly refurbished Paris Longchamp.
Frankie Dettori's mount readily drew away in the closing stages, leaving his owner thrilled.
"It was so exciting and they tell me the last two furlongs were very fast indeed. It will be interesting to see what Timeform say, but I'm told he ran the last two furlongs like a sprinter," said Oppenheimer.
Royal Ascot is on the agenda this summer, where Cracksman is 6/4 to win the Prince of Wales' Stakes on 20th June. Oppenheimer has plenty targets in his mind but he knows there is little point in planning too far ahead.
As long as there isn't firm ground, Cracksman can dance any dance he likes to, says his owner. His main midsummer target is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes back at Ascot in July, where he might collide with last year's winning filly Enable, also trained by Gosden.
"The Tattersalls Gold Cup is the plan and then hopefully Royal Ascot, but he won't go anywhere if the ground is firm. He can handle everything else. Good to firm or soft ground is not a problem for him," Oppenheimer added.
"I would love to win the King George. He's a good looking horse and he's become very popular, which helps. Hopefully there's a lot to look forward to."
Enable is 4/1 to win the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Cloth Of Stars is an 8/1 chance.
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