Unbeaten champion Frankel sired his first European Group 1 winner at Ascot on Saturday when his
son Cracksman won the QIPCO Champion Stakes in a style that would make his old
man proud.
A first win
in the race for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, Anthony Oppenheimer's homebred
had the race to himself over the final two furlongs, romping home seven lengths
clear of Poet's Word with the gallant Highland Reel a neck back in third. (photo Sporting Life).
"He is
a lovely horse and has improved through the year," Gosden told Sporting Life.
"I thought
he ran a blinder at Epsom in the Derby, he was unlucky in Ireland, but boy,
with Capri the form was good.
"He
seems to have got bigger and stronger. If he started a middleweight, he is now
a light heavyweight.
"He
handled the ground better than anyone and he has won it in true style. Coming
down Tattenham Corner (in the Derby) he got in a dreadful muddle, but he is
learning. It is great for Frankel to have a son win the race he won.
"I
think (missing the) Arc it was a difficult decision, but I think Enable was
more in the zone and streetwise than him. I was happy with the decision we made
and I think it was the right decision."
Dettori also
said that Cracksman had made dramatic improvement throughout the season.
"What I
rode today is not what I rode at Epsom. He has developed and is stronger. He is
a good horse now, Dettori said.
"I was
surprised with the way he travelled as he can be a little bit laid-back in his
races.
"He
jumped and travelled and the pace was honest. I played my ace card where it was
'catch me if you can' because I knew he would get to the end no problem.
"It was
a storming performance. I am thrilled for everyone. It was Frankel's first
Group One in Europe and my first Champion Stakes. There were a lot of firsts
and it was a great performance."
A half-brother
to Group III Solario Stakes winner Fantastic Moon (Dalakhani), Cracksman is out
of the stakes-winning Pivotal mare Rhadegunda a daughter of the Group 1
Thousand Guineas and Group 1 Sussex Stakes winner On The House (Be My Guest).
