Cracksman May Side Step Arc, To Contest Champion Stakes
The three-time group 1 winner Cracksman is now unlikely to run in the Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The Anthony Oppenheimer colt was not entered in the Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Gr.1 Juddmonte International in the summer due to unsuitably quick ground. Yet again, it is feared conditions will be against him once more at Paris Longchamp.
However, if he doesn't run at the Le Prix Arc de Triomphe, then there will be only one race left for him in his career.
Oppenheimer said: "There's only really one other suitable race, the Champion Stakes. Even if it's good to firm we'll have to run there because it'll be his last race."
Cracksman, is officially rated the best horse in Europe in 2017 and is reckoned right back to form by Oppenheimer. Stable mate and 2017 Arc winner Enable headed 22 acceptors Monday for a race in which Sea of Class is set to be supplemented later this week.
Cracksman may be far from a certain runner, but the horse who gave him a big scare in the Gr.1 Coronation Cup (G1) will definitely take his chance.
Unbeaten Prix Niel winner Brundtland runs in Saturday's G2 Prix de Chaudenay and Appleby said: "His work has never been exciting but you can't fault what he's done, he turns up and gets the job done. We hope he'll improve with the step up to a mile and seven furlongs.
Credit: Ritesh Jamkhedkar ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com