Owner Anthony Oppenheimer explains the decision not to send Cracksman to Dubai for the Sheema Classi

AVOIDING a long campaign played a significant part in the decision not to send Cracksman to Dubai.

Owner Anthony Oppenheimer has explained the reasons behind the absence of his immensely talented four-year-old from the Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night, with the race previously under consideration.

After discussions with trainer John Gosden, the decision has been made to start last year's impressive Qipco Champion Stakes winner off in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on April 29.

A son of Frankel, Cracksman is expected to make a bid for the Prix l'Arc de Triomphe at the recently redeveloped Longchamp in the Autumn should everything go to plan during his summer campaign.

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"I think the Dubai race just comes a little bit early in the year, this horse will have a long programme, if he completes it," said Oppenheimer.

"It's a long way out to Dubai and to take him out there, have him 100 per cent ready for that, it makes it an awfully long season.

Templegate's Treble

• NAP 4.10 Wetherby - Just Georgie: 'Beat Brandoc Roc over today's track and trip last month and I think he can uphold that form' (add to your betslip)
• NEXT BEST 8.15 Newcastle - Elixsoft: 'Has done well since switch to the all-weather and hat-trick looks on the cards' (add to your betslip)
• TREBLE 5.35 Newcastle - Dubawi Fifty: 'Has wone four from five races since the middle of the summer and is still unexposed over two miles (add to your betslip)

"I've seen the horse today and he looks wonderful, but the Prix Ganay seems to be the most sensible race to go for."

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