Crackerjack King on track for Eclipse Stakes tilt on July 7th in UK

Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s latest overseas acquisition Crackerjack King, has impressed new trainer Marco Botti and the Italian Derby winner has been given the go ahead to make his British debut in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday 7th July 2012.

Crackerjack King has settled in well to his new surroundings at Newmarket in England and his Saturday morning work clearly satisfied Botti heading into the Sandown feature.

Botti said: “Crackerjack King worked very well this morning under Ryan Moore. He is in very good form and while the Eclipse will be a very competitive race I think the stiff finish at Sandown will really suit him and it is his best trip.

“We would prefer good ground for the race. With regards jockeys we will be using Ryan Moore or Frankie Dettori depending on Sir Michael Stoute and Godolphin running plans.”

A winner of seven of his eight starts to date, Crackerjack King’s only loss came in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly in June last year.

The 4yo Shamardal colt is now based in England after the trainer’s cousin, Stefano, transferred his star galloper to Newmarket following the 50% purchase from ATB’s Darren Dance, with Crackerjack King’s main spring goal being the 2012 WS Cox Plate.

Dual Cox Plate winner So You Think, now trained by Aidan O’Brien, is currently an odds on favourite for the Eclipse Stakes, in what may be the star gallopers final start in the United Kingdom.

Crackerjack King’s half brother and fellow ATB stayer Jakkalberry resumed for a more than handy 5th placing in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) at Royal Ascot on Saturday 23rd June.

Jakkalberry will be aimed at a spring campaign in Melbourne to target the $2.5m 2012 Caulfield Cup and $6.2m 2012 Melbourne Cup.

Wednesday 4th July 2012