Royal Ascot 2018: Frankie Dettori reckons Cracksman can bounce back to his best at Ascot after Epsom scare

FRANKIE Dettori reckons Cracksman can bounce back to his brilliant best at Royal Ascot after his Epsom scare.

Dettori was a relieved man after lifting John Gosden's colt home by a head in the Coronation Cup on his last start.

Dettori said: "He left people scratching their heads after Epsom, but he had numerous excuses.

"Basically he doesn't like to run downhill. He struggled in the Derby and he struggled the other day. His courage and class pulled him through, as any other horse would have downed tools and given up.

"I had my heart in my mouth at Epsom. When Silvestre (de Sousa, on Salouen) kicked around the final turn and took six lengths on me, I couldn't bridge the gap and he was all at sea.

"Even I felt I wasn't going to peg him back. Out of desperation I took him to the stands side and the faster ground, just to get a rail.

"It was only the last 100 yards when he met the rising ground he picked two lengths up.

"It was nerve wracking for me as he was long odds on and all the owners were there and we wanted the horse to do well, so we got away with it."

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Dettori is now looking forward to getting him back to Ascot, the scene of his seven-length demolition job in the Champion Stakes last season.

He continued: "He won the Champion Stakes at Ascot last year meeting the rising ground, and it is very exciting going back to there.

"If he goes there in his normal form, he is entitled to be favourite.

"He won the Champion Stakes over a mile and a quarter and he has won a Ganay on good ground, so I think the trip is fine. It is a stiff mile and a quarter at Ascot and that is pretty much what he wants.

"These races are never easy to win, but I'm going in there excited, so let's bring it on. I can't wait. It's a very exciting time."