Cracksman ready for Coronation Cup run at Epsom reports trainer John Gosden
Gosden's star colt looks set to continue his terrific run of form
JOHN GOSDEN is looking forward to running a fully-fit Cracksman in the Coronation Cup.
Gosden's star colt was not fully tuned up for his seasonal reappearance, but impressed when landing the Prix Ganay at Longchamp.
He is now set to continue his season at Epsom and bid to complete a hat-trick of Group 1 wins.
Gosden said: "I'm very happy with the horse and he has done everything right for us.
"He went to ParisLongchamp about 85-90 per cent (fit). He has come on since then and we are very pleased with him.
"He is versatile between a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, and we are looking forward to running him there.
"He has won over the track and he was third in the Derby, when he was probably lacking the maturity he had later in the year.
"He is a horse that has had to grow and mature into his frame and his ability."
READY TO ROAR John Gosden decides on Derby run for Roaring Lion
He added: "He won his only start nicely at Newmarket as a two-year-old, but to me he was the unfinished product when he ran in the Derby, and in the Irish Derby he had to go round the whole field.
"We gave him a holiday through the middle of the summer and he came back twice the horse he was. Like his father, he has a great stride on him and we are looking forward to running him a week on Friday."
Latest in Horse Racing
Cracksman's challengers include dual Group 1 winner Hawkbill who finished third in the race last year.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "This was his target and always has been after the Sheema Classic.
"We are coming back here for the Coronation Cup for the starting point of his European season. We are happy with the way he looks and how he is training.
"He was third last year behind Highland Reel - I know we've got Cracksman to beat, but we are pleased with our fellow.
"He was always stamped as a soft-ground horse, but he ran well on quick ground in last year's Coronation Cup and he put up a career-best performance on good ground in the Sheema Classic."