Oppenheimer eager for Irish Derby rematch Cracksman is the only British-trained representative in this year's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby line-up on Saturday. The son of Frankel was just a length behind the reopposing Wings Of Eagles when third in the Investec Derby at Epsom and Gosden, who broke his Irish Derby duck with Jack Hobbs in 2015, is looking forward to the rematch. "Cracksman is in great form and we're very happy with him," said the Clarehaven handler. "I thought Wings Of Eagles was impressive in the Derby and it's very clear in my mind he would have been an unlucky loser. He was stopped twice and still won it at the finish, I don't think it was a fluke. "I think they are very nice horses the pair of them and it will be nice to see them meet up again at the Curragh." Cracksman carries the colours of owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer, who said: "The horse which won the Derby is a very good-looking horse and I expect him to prove very hard to beat again. "For everyone else that makes it a very enjoyable race but not so much for me I'm afraid! "I'm really looking forward to it, it looks extremely competitive, but John has been happy since Epsom." Dual Irish Derby-winning jockey Pat Smullen will partner Cracksman for the first time in the absence of the sidelined Frankie Dettori. He said: "I must admit I was delighted to get the call, it's a very good spare ride. "Cracksman has had a little bit of time since the Derby, so has the winner, and I'm sure both of them will pitch up in tremendous form and it's a case of whoever has improved the most from Epsom. "I've the utmost respect for all of Aidan's and the French horse (Waldgeist). At the end of the day he was only beaten a short head in the Prix du Jockey Club so that's top-class form as well. "It's going to be a tough assignment but I'm really looking forward to it." Master French trainer Andre Fabre is expecting a bold show from Waldgeist following his narrow reverse to Brametot over a mile and a quarter in the French Derby. Fabre has won the race twice before, with Winged Love (1995) and Hurricane Run (2005). He said: "He's going to run a good race. I think the extra distance will suit him and a bit of rain would help. As long as there is a good pace, which there should be, I think we're going to see a good performance from him. "He is a very different horse to Hurricane Run. This is a light horse with very good acceleration. He stays well and he has a big heart as well as the ability he has already shown. "I'm a great fan of the Curragh. It is a beautiful track, well designed, you cannot be unlucky as it is a very fair course. You never see a messy race at the Curragh."
