Enable looks loveable
ENABLE is the new favourite to make it an historic third victory in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe following the torrential rain that fell at Longchamp racecourse.
The ground at the Paris track is officially described as soft after 19mm of rain – and the forecast is for further wet weather.
The testing conditions will favour Enable but Love, who had dislodged Enable as the Arc favourite after her success in the Yorkshire Oaks, has disappointed on a soft surface.
Aidan O’Brien, the trainer of Love, had expressed concerns about the ground after the filly won at York last month, on going officially described as good.
“Even though she handled it I would be very worried if we get sinking ground in France,” said O’Brien.
“We now know she can get away with good to soft, but I wouldn’t be sure about heavy ground.”
Enable is now 15- 8 with Ladbrokes and Love is out to 2- 1.
Stradivarius, with winning form on soft, was shortened to 10- 1 from 14- 1.
In Swoop, winner of this year’s German Derby on good to soft ground, was backed from 20- 1 to 10- 1.
At yesterday’s first forfeit stage for the 100th running of the Arc, 22 runners stood their ground. The biggest field to go to post was 20 in 2014.
John Gosden, responsible for Enable and Stradivarius, has a back up in Logician, who is earmarked for Ascot on Saturday.
O’Brien is also expected to run Mogul, Japan, Sovereign and this year’s Derby winner Serpentine, who has to be supplemented.
Andre Fabre, who spoilt the party last year when Waldgeist collared Enable, attempts a record eighth victory with Persian King, a
20- 1 chance.