Investec Coronation Cup (Group 1)

Off time: 15:13 | Winning time: 2m 38.49s

(6)

Cracksman³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 122| C| D

2/7

Third in last year's Derby and narrowly denied in the Irish version next time. Won all four starts since including a fine win on Champions' Day at Ascot and showed he retained all his ability when winning a Group 1 in France on return. Hard to beat.

Form: 32111-1

(3)

Hawkbill^p⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 122| D

6/1

Better than ever lately and gained a second Group 1 success with an impressive 3L win in the Dubai Sheema Classic when last seen. Perhaps didn't look entirely in love with the track in this race last year but goes in the ground and has place claims.

Form: 6122-11

(2)

Idaho²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119| D

8/1

Well travelled since winning the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot and returned to form with a win in Group 3 company at Chester in May. Well beaten in this race last year but has had a prep run this time around and has each-way claims.

Form: 6845-81

(4)

Salouen²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: S De Sousa| T: S Kirk| OR: 110

33/1

Couldn't get his head in front last season and generally struggles in Group 1 company. Probably wants the ground quicker than what he will get it here and others preferred.

Form: 07823-3

(1)

Windstoss²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: A de Vries| T: Markus Klug| D

20/1

Won the German Derby last year and rounded the off the campaign with another Group 1 success in Germany. Shaped like he needed the run on return last time out but he would have to take his form to a new level entirely to compete against these.

Form: 12141-3

(5)

Yucatan²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| BF

33/1

Runner-up in the Racing Post Trophy as a juvenile but couldn't get his head in front last year and only moderate efforts in weaker races than this in two starts this campaign. Second string on jockey bookings.

Form: 22/32-43

Forecasts

Cracksman (2/7), Hawkbill (6/1), Idaho (8/1), Windstoss (20/1), Salouen (33/1), Yucatan (33/1)

Aidan O'Brien won this race last year with Highland Reel and Idaho would appear to be his best chance of landing a ninth success in the race, but the five-year-old has plenty on his plate if he is to get the better of CRACKSMAN. John Gosden's charge took his form to a new level in the Champion Stakes at Ascot at the end of last season and he made light work of his rivals in a French Group 1 on his reappearance. He could be even better as a four-year-old and will be hard to beat here. Hawkbill has been in excellent form and should be competitive after another Group 1 success at Meydan when last seen.