Owner Anthony Oppenheimer fears a lack of rain will force Cracksman to be pulled out of Saturday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, although he says a decision will probably not be made until the morning of the race.
The forecast overnight rain did not hit the Berkshire track, although the chance of thundery showers on Friday and into Saturday has not been ruled out.
Oppenheimer said on Friday: “It’s beginning to look gloomy, but whether he’ll run or not is hard to say at this point.
“I don’t think any decision will be made until tonight or early tomorrow morning. John Gosden will walk the course tomorrow, but if it hasn’t rained by then there’ll be no need to do so as he won’t run.
“There is some rain forecast but it probably isn’t going to be enough. We will see what happens. We want to run him if we can.”
Only three years ago Gosden and Oppenheimer were praying for the rain to stay away at Ascot with Golden Horn, however soft ground ruled the Derby hero out of the Ascot showpiece.
He added: “It’s frustrating. We relied on the weather three years ago with Golden Horn, hoping for no rain, and now we’re asking for the complete opposite. It’s most extraordinary.
“Cracksman has been going really well at home. He’s very keen and Mr [Robert] Havlin who rides him has said he’s going extremely well.”
Prospect of thundery showers
Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels said on Friday morning: “The going is good to firm with watering and it’s been dry overnight.
“There is the possibility of thundery showers today and the odd shower on Saturday morning but it will clear up in the afternoon.”
fonte : RacingPost
