Cracksman 'twice the horse he was' in Derby for Epsom return in Coronation

Cracksman is on schedule to return to Epsom for the Investec Coronation Cup "twice the horse he was" when he finished third in last year's Derby.

Although beaten by Wings Of Eagles and Cliffs Of Moher in the Classic, Cracksman ended the season as champion of Europe after winning the Champion Stakes by seven lengths.

He has replaced stablemate and Arc winner Enable, who is sidelined until August, in the Epsom Group 1 having already added to his haul at the top level with a four-length win in the Prix Ganay.

Trainer John Gosden said: "He went into Longchamp about 85-90 per cent. He has come on since then. He is versatile between a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half. He's won over the track and he was third in the Derby.

"He's had to grow and mature. He won his only start nicely at Newmarket as a two-year-old but he wasn't the finished product in the Derby. He had to come round the field in the Irish Derby then we gave him time off and he came back twice the horse he was."

Opposition at Epsom is set to include Idaho, brother of the seven time Group 1 winner Highland Reel, who captured the Coronation Cup 12 months ago.

Idaho won the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes on his latest start and his trainer Aidan O'Brien said on Tuesday: "We are thinking of Idaho making the step up, and Yucatan is also a possible.

"We were very happy with Idaho at Chester. I don't know he will gain the heights of Highland Reel. Highland Reel was a very special horse who travelled the world and did it all the way from two to five. We think he [Idaho] is progressing."

Hawkbill, third last year, is set to make his European comeback in the race having added to his reputation with victory in the Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan in march.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "This has been his target pretty much after the Sheema Classic. I couldn't be happier with the way he looks and his training. He ran well to finish third last year behind Highland Reel.

Pure power: Hawkbill storms to victory in the Sheema ClassicCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We all know he has Cracksman to beat. He is showing versatility now. He was a soft-ground horse but he ran well on quick ground last year and on a sound surface in Dubai produced a career best performance."

Security is always tight around Derby day, with the Queen in attendance, and after trouble at Goodwood and Ascot this year Epsom managing director Phil White said staff will be vigilant.

"It's a 12-month planning process. This year visitors will see a visible presence at all the entrances and sniffer dogs who will be checking for drug use, which isn't tolerated. All those are in place to ensure a safe but fun, enjoyable day for everybody."

Investec Coronation Cup card and betting