Enable odds-on for the Arc with Cracksman backed for Champion

Significant Qipco Champion Stakes support for Cracksman, which resulted in his odds being slashed to 7-2 favourite (from 6) by Coral on Saturday, has resulted in stablemate Enable’s position as Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe favourite hardening.

An announcement about Cracksman’s next race is likely to be made by trainer John Gosden and owner Anthony Oppenheimer this weekend, but Coral anticipated that decision by cutting Enable to 10-11 (from evens) for the Ascot showpiece.

Speaking at Newbury on Saturday, Gosden said: “I’ve got to speak to Mr Oppenheimer, but a decision will be made this weekend.”

Cracksman, as big as 10-1 with Paddy Power and Betfair for the Arc, eased to 7-1 (from 9-2) with Coral after the colt was supported for the Ascot Group 1.

Coral spokesman David Stevens said: “Connections have yet to say whether Cracksman will run again this season, and if so where, but the money we've seen for the colt for the Champion Stakes was significant enough for us to make him favourite for the Ascot race at this stage. As a result of that market move, Enable is now odds-on to triumph at Chantilly next weekend."

Cracksman’s next target has been the subject of intense speculation since his impressive victory in the Group 2 Prix Niel at Chantilly this month.

Can home team keep Arc raiders at bay?