Champion 3yo sire & Yorton new-boy Cracksman has been enjoying a very fruitful few months both on the track & in the breeding shed since his transfer from Darley at the end of 2025.

Having already sired world champion Ace Impact from his very first crop, Cracksman has kept breeders minds focused throughout the summer with a host of exciting youngsters hitting the target. This steady flow has resulted in a busy covering season for the son of Frankel which looks to have justified Yorton & leading owner Dai Walters’ decision to strike a deal to secure him.

John Gosden trained Cracksman during his racing career so it makes sense that he should have some success with his progeny & that has been headed in recent weeks by the Godolphin owned VALEDICTORY (pictured above). Bred by the Oppenheimer family, the gelding landed the Betway Trophy over 1m6f on Newmarket’s July course on 10 July having opened his account over the distance on his previous run at Goodwood at the end of May. Now boasting an official rating of 95, the master of Newmarket is plotting a raid on the valuable Ebor at York next month commenting ‘it could be exciting if he got into the Ebor’.

The exact same Owner/Trainer/Breeder/Jockey combination struck with another son of Cracksman with DANGERMAN scoring over 1m2f at Sandown in mid-June. This victory completed a hat-trick of wins at the Esher track having won in each of his visits & he looks sure to progress up the ratings ladder & will run off 91 when he next appears.

Cracksman himself was a winning 2yo & he has sired a bunch of freshman winners over the last few weeks. The latest of those was at Newmarket on 18 July as CHINA IN YOUR HAND followed up her debut third to win comfortably at Newmarket for Charlie Fellowes. Those in attendance at racings HQ were suitably impressed with connections commenting afterwards ‘she has had a great attitude ever since she stepped into the yard. She ran well on her debut at Doncaster and was very professional out there today. She was given a positive ride by Paddy [Bradley], who is a great asset to the yard. She has a nice bit of scope and I would think the plan would be to get some black type after that’.

At the same venue, SCOMMESSA SICURA (pictured below) was another 2yo filly to win having been placed second on all three of her previous runs for Andrew Balding. Part-owned by England & Chelsea footballer, Reece James, this Cracksman filly looks to have plenty of class & has bumped her OR up to 91 & puts her firmly in contention for some valuable black-type races coming up in the calendar. Edward Brown of part-owners Opulance T’Breds quoted ‘she’s shown a lot of class today. I think she’ll continue to progress and looks a lovely type for this year’.

Reece James & Scommessa Sicura - pic Sporting Life

Cracksman was also responsible for further strong reviews after his 2yo son BREACHER with a cosy 2L victory on his debut at Salisbury with the front pair coming clear of the field in a race which has historically produced some smart type. Jointly trained by William Muir & Chris Grassick for his breeder, it was Muir who had some strong comments afterwards ‘He’s the best I’ve ever had. He worked with EBT’s Guard at levels and went away from him before the Hunt Cup [fourth off 104]. I said if he runs as he gallops, the won’t beat him, I don’t care what’s in the race’.

Breacher in the Salisbury winners enclosure - pic Racingfotos

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Cracksman