Yahoo News Cracksman has the class to whip his rivals at Royal Ascot 2018
Frankel’s flawless career included two triumphs at Royal Ascot and Cracksman — the best of his early progeny to have seen the racecourse — can take a leaf out of his book by winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on day two of the meeting on Wednesday.
Cracksman revived memories of his sire when routing the opposition in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October and has added two more Group 1 triumphs this year, courtesy of his wins in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp last month and the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
The John Gosden-trained four-year-old was below his best when scrambling home in the latter contest 18 days ago but he banged his head in the starting stalls and Frankie Dettori said the colt did not enjoy the idiosyncrasies of the track.
Cracksman has had only 19 days to recover from his latest exertions but he will enjoy being back on flat terrain and, in any case, the general 8/13 favourite will not need to be at his best to prevail in the £750,000 showpiece, the most valuable race of the meeting and part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
Poet’s Word, the second favourite, was no match for Cracksman in the autumn, while Cliffs Of Moher has been disappointing since finishing runner-up in last year’s Derby. Meanwhile, Eminent and Hawkbill need to bounce back from lacklustre outings.
Emaraaty, a stablemate of Cracksman, rates the best bet of the day at the 11/2 available in the Jersey Stakes. He has a long way to go to repay the £2.73million he cost as a yearling but lost little in defeat when pipped by Society Power at Goodwood last time and now meets that rival on 10lb better terms.
Wesley Ward, who trains in America, has saddled the winner of the Queen Mary Stakes three times since 2009 and almost added a fourth success last year with Happy Like A Fool, who was runner-up.
Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Royal Ascot - In pictures
Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Royal Ascot - In pictures
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Meghan Markle waves to fans as she arrives at Royal Ascot
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A delighted Meghan Markle points out to the crowd on her first visit to Royal Ascot with husband Prince Harry
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Meghan Markle arrives on day one of racing at Ascot
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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex in their carriage at Ascot
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Prince Harry, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex
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Meghan Markle wore a white Givenchy dress
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Meghan Markle arriving at Royal Ascot
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Ward has been bullish about his challenger this time. Chelsea Cloisters won by eight lengths on her Keeneland debut and it would be no surprise if she got favourite backers off to a flying start.
Nelson should relish stepping up distance in the Queen’s Vase, Arabian Hope has her optimum conditions in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, while Escobar seems to have been revitalised by a change of yard to judge and, at around 16/1, looks worth risking in the Royal Hunt Cup.
