Epsom Derby 2017 – Cracksman wins Investec Derby Trial for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori
John Gosden's colt met trouble and took a while to get going up the straight but snatched victory in the final strides for the formidable team of Gosden and Frankie Dettori
TALENTED colt Cracksman left it late to win the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom for John Gosden.
Gosden was winning the race for the third consecutive year after the victories of Christophermarlowe and So Mi Dar.
Frankie Dettori and Cracksman met trouble as they attempted to lay down their challenge up the straight, but Dettori found enough to get up in the dying strides and collar Permian on the line.
Not all the bookies were impressed though, BetVictor kept the Frankel colt at 12-1 for the Derby while Paddy Power trimmed him into 10-1.
Gosden said the Anthony Oppenheimer-owned Cracksman will have one more outing before running in the Derby.
He said: "They went no pace and he was truly shut in and couldn't get out. I was delighted how he picked up.
"I did say to the owner before this horse is pretty laid-back and very inexperienced on the track.
"I think more pace he would have won easier. I like the fact he finished strong. The talk about Frankels being over exuberant, this guy is so laid-back.
"I'm very pleased with him and he will come on a bundle for it.
"We will go for another run, whether it is Chester or York, we will see how he comes out of the race."