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Getting so excited about seeing Elarqam
run in the Guineas and convinced that he will WIN
Cracksman in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on Sunday.
Would write more but my computer really playing up tonight and about eight words behind me on everything I write, so perhaps it needs a rest like me
Good night for now Frankelites 
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...So we have the long awaited return of Cracksman today at Longchamps in the Prix Ganay. It has been 6 long months since that incredible performance at Ascot and now we get to see him as a fully-matured 4 year-old and the signs are that we are in for something special. He looked awesome in the gallop at Newmarket and, even though his trainer states he is only 85% fit, he should win today. It will be no penalty kick. Cloth of Stars ran 2nd in the Arc last year and IS race-fit after two outings this year. Last time he pulled like a train and I was amazed that he still managed to finish 3rd. If he settles (and he has been given a pacemaker) then he would be a danger. We also have Rhododendron bringing more Group 1 winning form. She is running over her optimum trip and could well run a big race. If the rain hits hard (and it’s raining now apparently) then Air Pilot would come into it as he is a heavy ground machine. And then there is another son of Frankel in Finche, who should appreciate better ground and will be fitter than last time.
All in all a very good first Group 1 of the season and one that has me salivating!! Obviously.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Will be interesting to see how he fairs over 10F on good ground as a lot was made that the ground helped turned the Champion Stakes into more of a stamina test than a speed test.
With the pacemaker (a bit of a novelty for a French horse to have) hopefully meaning Frankie won’t have to do all the donkey work himself, I am a bit worried that it will still turn into a burn up over the last 2F and with Cloth of Stars being used to that type of race and having a massive fitness advantage I think Frankie will need to go a bit earlier to get Cracksman’s big stride fully wound up.
With Gosden’s yard in decent form hopefully he will be far enough forward for today’s race but Frankie will need to have his wits about him as I could see this turning into a messy race very easily.
I know what you mean LD but Frankie is a master tactician and knows his horse very well. He will make sure that Cracksman has a full 3 furlongs or so to get into his stride.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Why is Cracksman rider wearing yellow and black hooped cap today and not regular Oppenheimer stable color of red and white?
Wow!! That was wonderful. What a specimen he is now and we couldn’t have asked for more than that first time out.
He has answered any doubters who might have thought the Champion was a heavy ground fluke. He moves so beautifully and devours the ground like his dad used to. The sky is surely the limit after that.
We can obviously crab the form with the pacemaker holding on for second but even so, it will take a very good horse to beat Cracksman this year.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
Oh yes that was so easy,
his first run of the season, he is going to be hard to beat this year.All comers, all ground, all beaten
That was very impressive. He looks much much more professional nowadays. I was slightly worried about Cloth Of Stars’ fitness edge, and while the latter was not given much of a chance with the way he was ridden, I do not think it would have changed much in the end. Johnny G is going to sweep up the 1m2/4f G1s this season. The clash with Enable cannot come fast enough.
Think this will be the itinerary for Cracksman this year:
– Prince of Wales
– King George
– Juddmonte International
– Arc
– Breeders Cup Turf
Could maybe take the Tattersalls Gold Cup before Royal Ascot. I’m assuming Enable will be going to Epsom?
You can see the full race here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCvHy5dccjU
All comers, all ground, all beaten
Think this will be the itinerary for Cracksman this year:
– Prince of Wales
– King George
– Juddmonte International
– Arc
– Breeders Cup TurfGiven Enable is likely to go to the International might they re-route him to Leopardstown instead? Could even see him taking the Eclipse!
Do you think John Gosden and Martyn Meade might be persuaded to have a chat or two about the ten furlong races (at least the Tattersalls and the Eclipse? Not in any sense to imply collusion of course, but just to please Jac that the beloved Eminent and the heroic Cracksman would not take victory away from each other.
Suggestion was the next stop is the Tattersalls Gold Cup then POW at Royal Ascot, Gosden said the clash could happen in KG.
Chapman spoke to Teddy Grimthorpe and he confirmed that assuming Enable is well she will likely start in the Coronation Cup and that as defending champion they wouldn’t shy away from a clash in the KG.
Good night for now Frankelites 
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