ENABLE IN ZONE FOR HAT-TRICK
ENABLE is “back in the zone” for her attempt at racing history in tomorrow’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot tomorrow.
The John Gosden-trained sixyear-old is Ladbrokes’ 8-15 favourite to become the first horse to capture the QIPC-Osupported feature – in which she will face the Aidan O’Brien trio of Japan, Anthony Van Dyck and Sovereign – three times.
And the champion trainer is confident his star mare is back at her physical and mental peak after a defeat at the hands of Godolphin’s Ghaiyyath in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park 19 days ago.
“I’m not experienced in training six-year-old racemares. I think it’s a little different if they are light-framed – it becomes easier,” said Gosden.
“But she found it difficult getting to a race fitness this year – far more than ever before.
“She’s found that challenging, but has a strong mind and has brought herself forward. She tired in the last furlong and taking on Ghaiyyath who was in magnificent form and was always going to be difficult – I did try and explain that beforehand.
“She behaved beautifully at Sandown when she was still not in the zone. I feel she’s back in it now. I see all of the mental strength – the wanting to do – still there with her. But she’s more measured about it now.”
Gosden dismissed suggestions that, with Enable’s three opponents all representing the same stable, Frankie Dettori’s mount could find her chance compromised by race tactics.
“I would have thought that we’re above all that now,” he added. “If I’m concerned about that going into a race, that’s not a good thing.
“Those horses are ridden by gentlemen [Ryan Moore, Oisín Murphy and William Buick] who ride for me a lot too, so I don’t see anything too sinister ahead.”