Gosden ready for the Crack

JOHN GOSDEN warned punters that his Derby hope Cracksman will need today’s outing when he runs in the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom.

Cracksman, a son of the mighty Frankel, was an impressive winner of his only outing at Newmarket last season.

“He’s going there for the experience,” said Gosden. “I don’t expect him to win because he’s very babyish.

“But don’t get me wrong. He’s a lovely horse but a bit slow on the uptake.

“Unlike the majority of Frankel’s offspring he’s very laid back. But he will learn a lot at Epsom.

“We had him in the 2,000 Guineas but I’ve taken him out because I thought it might happen all too soon for him.”

Frankie Dettori, who partners Cracksman, a 16-1 chance for the Epsom classic, said: “The vibes are good but don’t expect any fireworks.”

Gosden, pictured, will be without a 2,000 Guineas runner but he has a fancied runner in Daban for the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday week.

“She’s come out of her trial very well,” said Gosden. “I’m very happy with her.

“Of course all of us have respect for Rhododendron.

“She comes with the solid form and in the 2,000 Guineas so does Churchill. However, there is sometimes one that has probably just had the one outing that comes through.

“I thought the Greenham winner, Barney Roy, was most impressive the way he quickened. “It was a very good trial. He sets a good standard for Churchill to run against.”

William Haggas will make a decision about Rivet running in the 2,000 Guineas on Friday as he fears the firm ground will be against him.

But he revealed that the Queen’s colt, Call To Mind, an impressive winner at Newbury on Saturday, could be a Derby contender.

“He’s clearly smart,” said Haggas.

“But a Derby horse at this stage, I don’t know but I suspect he’s a better class horse than he’s shown.”