Cracksman wins the QIPCO Champion Stakes
Cracksman wins the QIPCO Champion Stakes

Cracksman among 13 entries for Investec Coronation Cup


John Gosden's brilliant colt Cracksman heads 13 acceptors for the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom on June 1.

Since finishing a close third in last year's Derby on what was only his third career start, Cracksman has developed into Europe's highest-rated middle-distance horse and signed off 2017 with an emphatic victory in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.

He made a flying start to his four-year-old campaign with an awesome display in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp last month.

Aidan O'Brien, a record eight-time winner of the Coronation Cup, has four acceptors, headed by Idaho and Cliffs of Moher. Both have victories to their credit this term.

Hydrangea and Yucatan are the Ballydoyle's two other remaining entries.

Andre Fabre has left in Cloth Of Stars and Waldgeist as he seeks a seventh Coronation Cup triumph.

Markus Klug reports Windstoss on course to try to become the second German-trained winner after Boreal in 2002.

Klug said: "He was third on his first start of the year, but was carrying a penalty for his Group One wins and wasn't 100 per cent fit for his seasonal return. He has come out of that race well and has improved for the run.

"Windstoss won the German Derby and the Preis Von Europa last season, but I am sure that he will be a better four-year-old.

"He has won on good ground and in soft conditions, so the ground should not be too important for him, apart from if it is very quick.

"We know that the Coronation Cup will be a very difficult race, but I think that we will give it a go."

Completing the list of acceptors are last year's third Hawkbill, Poet's Word, Barsanti, Red Galileo and Salouen.

Related links

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo