Cracksman is to add further spice to the Derby meeting at Epsom as connections have revealed he will be rerouted to the Group 1 Investec Coronation Cup on Oaks day on June 1.
Officially the top-rated horse in Europe, Anthony Oppenheimer’s colt was being targeted at the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on May 27, but the recent injury to stablemate Enable, who was bound for Epsom, has prompted a rethink.
Cracksman made a scintillating return to action when running out a ready winner of last month’s Prix Ganay at Longchamp, where he had four lengths in hand of Wren’s Day.
The son of Frankel was carrying on where he left off last year, having won twice at Group 2 level before a devastating seven-length romp in the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
At Epsom Cracksman will be tackling a mile and a half for the first time since September and will be returning to the scene of his third to Wings Of Eagles in the Derby last June.
Watch Cracksman’s stunning display in the Champion Stakes
Trainer John Gosden said: “Following discussions over the weekend with Mr Oppenheimer it has been decided to route Cracksman to the Coronation Cup.
“He’s come out of his win in France in great shape and should have no worries about going back up to a mile and a half.”
Cliffs Of Moher, Hawkbill and Poet’s Word are among other notable names in the frame for the Coronation Cup.
