MAN ON A MISSION

NEWSBOY CRACKSMAN is fancied to gain revenge on Epsom conqueror Wings Of Eagles and lift the Irish Derby (5.20, ATR) at the Curragh this afternoon. John Gosden’s colt (left), on whom Pat Smullen deputises for the injured Frankie Dettori, couldn’t resist the late thrust of the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner when beaten a length in third in the Derby last month.

But Cracksman looked ill at ease round Epsom’s contours and also sat close to a searing early pace that handed an advantage to the hold-up horses, who included Wings Of Eagles and runner-up Cliffs Of Moher.

Cracksman went to Epsom on the back of just two runs, so the son of Frankel has plenty of scope for further progress in his bid to give his sire victory in a first European Classic.

CURRAGH RUNNERS: PAGE 7