John Gosden team in fine fettle for Champions Day

Cracksman heads the betting for the QIPCO Champion Stakes. Picture: Rcaingfotos.com

John Gosden is delighted with the wellbeing of all his principal players heading into QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on October 21.

The two-time champion trainer confirmed to a media gathering on the gallops at Newmarket on Friday morning that Cracksman, the ante-post favourite, is firmly on course to run in the £1.3 million QIPCO Champion Stakes.

The son of Frankel looked full of beans as he did two short spins on the all-weather surface.
“He’s in great form,” Gosden said. “He had a nice holiday after the Irish Derby into York and another nice gap then to Chantilly for the Prix Niel, and he’s had another nice gap going into Ascot.

“He’s in good form and I’m very happy with him. Frankie [Dettori] was pleased with his work on Wednesday and I’m looking forward to running him in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.”

Stradivarius (QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup), Journey (QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes) and Coronet (also Fillies & Mares Stakes) also stretched their legs before their respective assignments.

Gosden said a decision of Jack Hobbs’ participation in the Champion Stakes would be delayed until next week but said a tilt at the £1.1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) was being considered for Persuasive.

It seemed likely the Cheveley Park-owned filly had run her final race when runner-up to Roly Poly in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket last weekend but she has come out of that race so well that she may join Gosden’s Ascot team.

In the Balmoral Handicap, Europe’s richest mile handicap, Gosden will be represented by Gm Hopkins and, possibly, Linguistic. The former will be attempting to go one place better than two years ago.