Enable Glorious At Ascot as Goodwood Extravaganza Approaches
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By George She’s Got It! Gosden Ace Proves More Than Able
There’s no doubting the big story to come out of this weekend’s racing action, as Enable’s majestic display in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes put everything else in the shade. Having already posted dominant displays to claim both the Oaks and Irish Oaks, she was sent off favourite for the Ascot showpiece on Saturday afternoon. Undoubtedly the best of this year’s Classic crop of fillies, could she demonstrate the same level of superiority against the colts and older horses?
The answer to that question proved to be an emphatic, yes! Always close to the pace she needed no second invitation when asked to quicken in the straight, powering right away for a comprehensive 4 ½l success. Ulysees continued his excellent form in filling the runners up position for Sir Michael Stoute, with the Aidan O’Brien trained full brothers Idaho and Highland Reel finishing third and fourth.
Delighted Dettori Makes It A Fantastic Five
For jubilant jockey Frankie Dettori, this was a fifth success in Britain’s most highly coveted all-age flat race, putting him level with Michael Kinane, and behind only the great Lester Piggott in the all-time rankings. This was of course the scene of Dettori’s now legendary, “magnificent seven” in 1996. The 46 year old’s excitement when crossing the line showed that all the old passion still remains. This must also have been a particularly satisfying victory for John Gosden, with the trainer having previously sent out Enable’s sire, Nathaniel, to King George Glory in 2011.
Next Stop: Chantilly, Calling At York
So what now for Gosden’s all-conquering superstar? Well it’s the Yorkshire Oaks and a rematch with her Oaks victim, Rhododendron, which seems set to be the next assignment. That looks a mere formality at present though. Betfair make Enable a 1/3 shot for that August event. More excitingly, a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe now seems to be firmly on the agenda. Enable vs Almanzor would be a race to light up the autumn months, and it is the Gosden filly who currently heads the betting for that Chantilly contest at 9/4. In this sort of form it would take a brave man to bet against her.
But First…..Goodwood
Looking ahead – but not too far ahead – this week sees one of the real highlights of the racing year as Glorious Goodwood comes around once again. A bumper 35 races are on offer in all – 37 if we include the Arabian and Charity races – in what is one of the true betting bonanzas of the season. With the Group 1s of the Goodwood Cup, Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes attracting the best in the business to the Sussex venue, including the likes of Winter, Big Orange, Churchill, Barney Roy and Ribchester, this is one week of equine action not to be missed. It all kicks off on Tuesday so check out our Goodwood offers and free bets!
