Cracksman won the Prix Niel at Chantilly yesterday in the style of a horse who could be a genuine contender for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
However, it may be next year rather than next month before John Gosden runs him in that race.
Frankie Dettori never appeared to be in any problems once Cracksman took up the running in the home straight to beat Avilius by three and a half lengths. None of which left Anthony Oppenheimer, Cracksman’s owner, any closer to the idea of taking on Enable, the Arc favourite who is also trained by Gosden.
"It was a great display. John is in America [at the yearling sales] at the moment and I think we will discuss plans with him,” Oppenheimer said. "I don't think we will make a decision for the next 10 days. I just don't want the horse to have a hard race."
Dschingis Secret enhanced his Arc claims when springing a surprise in the Prix Foy. The race was expected to revolve around Japanese runner Satono Diamond but it was Dschingis Secret, trained in Germany by Markus Klug, who stole the show.
Bateel is not yet entered for the big show itself but connections can now afford to write the cheque for the €120,000 supplementary entry fee after she won the Prix Vermeille.
It was also a good day for Richard Fahey after Ribchester bounced back from defeat in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last month to win the Prix du Moulin.
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