Gosden bullish about Derby hope Cracksman after Epsom workout

John Gosden was bullish about Cracksman's Derby prospects after the unbeaten son of Frankel was put through his paces at Breakfast With The Stars at Epsom on Tuesday morning.

Cracksman, who galloped with stablemate Pealer, bypassed the Dante Stakes at York last week but was cut for the Derby after Permian's victory provided a boost to his form, and is now no bigger than 5-1 for the Classic on June 3.

Cracksman narrowly beat Permian on his reappearance in the Epsom Derby Trial, and Gosden reports that his twice-raced colt has improved since.

"He's come on a lot. I'm happy with him this morning and he's full of himself in the stable yard," Gosden said. "We didn't supplement him for fun in April. The mile and a half will be right up his alley."

Cracksman is owned by Anthony Oppenheimer, whose colours were carried to success by Golden Horn in 2015. Cracksman, like Golden Horn, will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Following the work Dettori said: "It was routine stuff but it all went well. The ground was on the slow side of good."

John Gosden gives Frankie Dettori his instructions before Cracksman's workoutCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gosden also confirmed Cheshire Oaks winner Enable and Coronet, a staying-on third in the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary at Deauville, will represent him in the Oaks. Musidora winner Shutter Speed will head to France for the Prix de Diane.

'Could not have gone better'

There was another son of Frankel in action at Epsom on Tuesday in the shape of Craven Stakes winner Eminent, who failed to meet expectations when only sixth in the 2,000 Guineas on his latest start.

However, trainer Martyn Meade is confident his stable star can bounce back in style at Epsom, with the significant step up in trip cited as a positive.

"I was absolutely thrilled – it couldn't have gone any better," Meade said after the gallop. "It didn't go according to plan in the Guineas. I think this is his distance."

Eminent was partnered by champion jockey Jim Crowley, who was impressed by the horse's demeanour.

Crowley said: "If you asked me to pick a ride in the race I'd choose him. He was really relaxed this morning, which bodes well for the big day."

Strong hand

Godolphin have four potential runners in Benbatl, Best Solution, Best Of Days and Dubai Thunder, while Sheikh Mohammed's son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will be represented by Dante Stakes winner Permian.

Racing manager John Ferguson said: "We have five names on the teamsheet and ten days to go ahead of the one of the great races in the world – it would not surprise me if one of them won. All five have genuine, legitimate chances.

"Permian continues to improve and has a really big chance. He has a world-class pedigree and is in great form."

'Blew me away'

Andrew Balding, who won the Oaks in 2003 with Casual Look, has a leading contender for this year's race with Horseplay, who landed the Pretty Polly Stakes on her reappearance.

Balding said: "It feels like 50 years since Casual Look won the race! I was very happy with Horseplay this morning – her work partner Elbereth is no slouch and in the form of her life. Horseplay has only had three runs, she had a little look around but picked up well."

Rider Oisin Murphy was extremely positive about how well Horseplay handled the unique course.

He said: "She blew me away when she won at Nottingham last year and she won well despite a small margin last time. I felt she handled the track here as well as any horse I've ridden – I was really impressed and she took a fair bit of pulling up."