Cracksman’s Ascot prep not ideal – Gosden

 Trainer John Gosden admits Cracksman’s preparations for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot have not been ideal.

The four-year-old had looked in imperious form after winning both the Champion Stakes and the Prix Ganay, but he laboured to victory in his most recent outing at Epsom earlier this month, narrowly edging out Salouen to claim the spoils in the Coronation Cup.

Gosden admits Cracksman’s performance at Epsom was a little concerning, although he hopes the more conventional track at Ascot will suit the colt down to the ground during Wednesday?s Group One race.

“He is fine. It was a bit of a muddle at Epsom, but he got the job done,” Gosden said. “It would not be the ideal prep race coming in, but we are happy to run him and he is in good form at home. After this we will have a nice wait until the King George.”

The 67-year-old trainer believes Cracksman has already shaken off his Epsom struggles, as he has been performing well for jockey Frankie Dettori in the build-up to Ascot.

“He seems happy at the moment,” Gosden added. “He has breezed since Epsom and Frankie has ridden him. He is pleased with the horse going into the race.”