FRANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Curragh win for Dettori & Enable
AS expected John Gosden’s Enable dominated the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh yesterday evening.
Fresh from her Epsom Oaks success last month the Frankie Dettori-ridden filly stood apart from her rivals on form which saw her sent off the 2/5 favourite.
In truth supporters of the odds on chance hardly ever had a moment’s worry as she cruised to a five and a half lengths victory over Rain Goddess.
Dettori kept things simple and looked from second from an early stage of the race.
Early in the straight Enable was then sent for home and in just a few strides the race was a good as over.
The favourite entered the last couple of furlongs with a decent lead which her rivals never looked likely to bridge.
“She did that very well and they went a nice sensible gallop before Frankie decided he’d get on with things in the straight,” said Gosden.
“She’s probably improved a little bit from Epsom and she’s got tactical speed, stamina and a great temperament too.
Earlier Caspian Prince struck for English trainer Tony Coyle in the Group 2 Friarstown Stud Sapphire Stakes.
The Group 1 winner Marsha was the odds on favourite for this five furlong dash and she got to the front inside the last furlong.
However, she was unable to contain her rallying compatriot and Declan Mcdonogh.
The current five furlong record holder at Dundalk, Caspian Prince was adding this race to his three wins in the Epsom Dash.
“When Marsha came to me she just seemed to stall and that gave my horse a lot of heart and he kept on well,” reported the winning rider.
Earlier the Aidan O’brien-trained Actress upstaged some better fancied rivals in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes.
Brother Bear was an odds shot following his fourth in the Coventry Stakes but he once again compromised his chances by drifting left at a vital stage.
As the favourite wandered over to the stand’s side rail Actress ran on strongly in the centre of the track to see off Theobald.