Arc aim for Enable after happy return
Frankie Dettori riding Enable to victory in the 188Bet September Stakes at Kempton Park yesterday IT is not very often a Group One race is upstaged, but that was the case yesterday when Enable’s return in the September Stakes at Kempton grabbed the attention of the racing world.
John Gosden’s filly had carried all before her last season, although this campaign was almost over before it started as she picked up an injury in May.
That ruled her out of Royal Ascot and other midsummer targets, with Gosden bringing her back gradually with a repeat win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe very much the main objective.
While Sir Michael Stoute’s King George runner-up Crystal Ocean was one of her three rivals, he could not live with 8-15 favourite Enable when Frankie Dettori flicked the switch in the straight.
Gosden said: “It was a nice race for both of them if you are having a prep for the Arc. I couldn’t be more thrilled with her, it was hands and heels. It was good to see her back, as it’s been a long wait.
“She will come on, she came here 80% and the race will put her right. She is at a good place mentally and the race will put her right.”
On what the road to full fitness has been like for the daughter of Nathaniel since her setback earlier in the season, Gosden said: “She has found it (being out of action) more frustrating than us.
“It really annoys her when the other horses go out on the (Newmarket) Heath to canter and gallop and she has to stay behind – she doesn’t like that at all.
“She’s back, let’s hope we can get to the Frankie Dettori Arc in four weeks’ time.” He added: “To get the best mile-and-a-half filly you are ever likely to train back means an awful lot. There have been some long days. We’ve got her back, but the Arc is the big one.”
Dettori said: “Her home work had been good, but we hadn’t gone beyond a mile at home and there was always that little bit of doubt in my mind if she was 100 per cent fit, but she is trained by a master. You can always rely on him.”
Gosden’s First Eleven (5-2 joint-favourite) returned to winning ways in the Lavaz- za Stakes at Ascot. Unlucky at the Royal meeting, he ran no race in the Bahrain Trophy last time out but looked the proverbial Group horse in a handicap on this occasion.
Kieran O’Neill enjoyed a deserved moment in the spotlight as he secured his first Pattern-race success with a stylish victory aboard Kessaar in the 188Bet Casino Sirenia Stakes at Kempton.
The 30-year-old, who rides Eclipse and Juddmonte International winner Roaring Lion in his work at home, recorded a first after partnering the son of Kodiac to glory in the six-furlong Group Three prize.
Coming from off the pace, the 9-1 shot swept past Junius Brutus during the closing stages, before crossing the line with two-and-a-half lengths to spare, completing a double for trainer John Gosden who had earlier claimed the September Stakes with Arc heroine Enable.
O’Neill said: “It is my first Group-race win, but I’ve waited long enough for it. I thank the boss Mr Gosden for the opportunity. It such a big day with Enable winning and it is nice to get one for the team.
“My first Group winner – I’m really delighted.”
Thady Gosden, assistant to his father, said: “He won well at Windsor, then he went to Ripon next time for a Listed race but didn’t handle the track at all. He hit every ridge and undulation possible, so that was a bit of a disaster.
“He is a nice little horse and settled well in behind. We could possibly step him up to seven next time.”