Cracksman Wins Investec Derby Trial At Epsom

Cracksman just got up on the line to take his unbeaten record to two in the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom.

The highly-touted Frankel colt, trained by John Gosden, would have been an unlucky loser as he had to be switched by Frankie Dettori to make his challenge as Permian went for broke. Franny Norton set sail for home on Mark Johnston's charge and it looked like the son of Teofilo would prevail, but Dettori did not give up on Cracksman. Improving with every stride, he whittled away at the deficit and the 4-6 favourite was finally in front where it mattered as he got the verdict by a short head. Bay Of Poets was third, another length and three-quarters away.

Gosden was winning a third consecutive renewal of the Derby Trial, having struck with Christophermarlowe in 2015 and So Mi Dar last season. Cracksman carries the black and white silks made famous by Golden Horn, the 2015 Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero. He is trading at around odds of 12-1 about winning the premier Classic back at Epsom on June 3.

Gosden said the Anthony Oppenheimer-owned Cracksman will have one more outing before running in the Derby.

He said: "They went no pace and he was truly shut in and couldn't get out. I was delighted how he picked up. I did say to the owner before this horse is pretty laid-back and very inexperienced on the track. I think more pace he would have won easier. I like the fact he finished strong. The talk about Frankels being over-exuberant, this guy is so laid-back. I'm very pleased with him and he will come on a bundle for it.We will go for another run, whether it is Chester or York, we will see how he comes out of the race."

Dettori said: "He has been very green and lazy at home. We got him here to educate him. Everything fell right. He jumped OK and got a nice tow into the race. They slowed him right up and it was a three-furlong sprint, which would not suit this horse, but at least he learnt how to quicken down the hill and get out of trouble. It was a good, educational run."