Enable primed to tackle King George

JOHN GOSDEN is set to run Oaks winner Enable in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The top-class filly has been left in the midsummer highlight at the five-day declaration stage, with the Clarehaven handler due to make a final decision tomorrow after he speaks to owner Khalid Abdullah.

It had looked likely that Enable would head to the Yorkshire Oaks after her stroll in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh. But in what would be a huge boost for the King George, she could now tackle older horses for the first time in her career.

“Apart from a cut on her leg, which has healed, she came out of the Irish Oaks very well,” said Gosden.

“She’s had plenty of time between her previous races. It’s not like she’s been over-raced this season. She’s fresh and very well.”

Gosden will definitely run Jack Hobbs, who disappointed in the Prince of Wales’ Stakes at Royal Ascot, having previously won the Dubai Sheema Classic in such style.

The Gosden pair, and likely pacemaker and stablemate Maverick Wave, are among 16 remaining contenders for the King George. They are joined by the Aidan O’Brien-trained brothers, last year’s winner Highland Reel (13/8 ante-post favourite) and Hardwicke hero Idaho. O’Brien has also left in Johannes Vermeer and US Army Ranger.

Charlie Appleby has confirmed Hawkbill and Frontiersman, while David Simcock is another with two possibles in Algometer and Desert Encounter.

Eclipse winner Ulysses will aim to give Michael Stoute a record sixth triumph in a race he last claimed seven years ago with Harbinger.

The Dante 1-2 Permian and Benbatl, both of which went on to win at Royal Ascot, are also in the mix – as are My Dream Boat and Argentinian challenger Sixties Song.