Cracksman may well run again this season says Gosden

Cracksman's connections will continue to keep their minds open as to whether last Wednesday's impressive Great Voltigeur winner will run again this season.

Anthony Oppenheimer's colt was not entered for the William Hill St Leger, with owner and trainer John Gosden viewing Cracksman as a four-year-old project, but he does have entries in the Champion Stakes at both Ascot and Leopardstown, and in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, for which he is 8-1 second favourite behind stablemate and fellow impressive York winner Enable.

Gosden said on Saturday: “Cracksman did his first little canter back this morning. I did mention the big races while speaking at York and he’s also in the Prix Niel. So if we’re happy with the horse and he goes the right way I'll discuss it with his owner Mr Oppenheimer. We’re just keeping our minds open at the moment.

“It's August and it’s a long time until he can run again next May. If he’s in good order I'll discuss it with Mr Oppenheimer, and he may well run again.”

Daban: the Nell Gwyn winner may not be able to race againCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Enable is generally even-money favourite for the October 1 Arc at Chantilly following her runaway success in the Yorkshire Oaks, and Gosden added: "She’s in top order. She had a nice trot this morning and is in very good form."

The Gosden-trained Daban, who was pulled up after a furlong in the Group 3 City of York Stakes last week, has sustained a fractured pelvis and her owner’s racing manager Bruce Raymond expressed doubts about whether this year's Nell Gywn winner will race again.

He said on Sunday: “Daban has been found to have fractured her pelvis and is still with vets in Yorkshire. It might be doubtful she could race again and if she does it will not be until later next year.

"I understand she's being a good patient at the moment – she's a very relaxed filly."

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