AN ABSOLUTELY CRACKING WIN

STARTS WITH THE TOP RACING Frankie cruises in on true Champion

CRACKSMAN lived up to the hype with a stunning display in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Plenty was written and said about connections deciding to skip the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and shunning a clash with John Gosdentrained stablemate Enable, who went on to win in France in great style.

And while the decision to drop Cracksman back to 10 furlongs did not look sure to suit the son of Frankel, he totally blitzed a classy field.

Frankel won the race himself in 2010 but even he did not win by seven lengths, as the 13-8 favourite stamped his authority on this contest in the hands of Frankie Dettori.

Taking up the running just before the home straight, Dettori poured it on, with Poet’s Word and Highland Reel giving game chase.

Truthfully, they were not in the same league on the day, although third-placed Highland Reel’s effort in conditions he would not have appreciated can be marked up, given Ryan Moore took the longer route searching for better ground.

The race was all about Cracksman, though, and he is already 4-1 with Sky Bet for next year’s Arc.

Gosden said: “He’s a very talented horse and Frankie rode him positively and beautifully in the straight.

“We said to come wide and he has done it well.

“You can see why I didn’t want him to run in the Arc – but there’s not much between him and Enable, is there?

“It’s great for Frankel to have a Group One winner in Europe, he’s got that wonderful Japanese filly but he’s had a proper Group One here in a race he won himself.”

Dettori said: “That was so amazing.

“It’s my first Champion Stakes and he put a good field to bed in the manner of a champion.

“It was a fantastic feeling. I glanced at the big screen and he was clear. I’ve not got words to describe it. Brilliant.”