Enable is firmly on course for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after enhancing her credentials as the best middle-distance horse in training with a decisive front-running success in the Yorkshire Oaks.
Despite sweating up beforehand, there was never an anxious moment in the race itself for supporters of the 1-4 favourite, as she made it Group One win number four for the season in devastating fashion on Thursday (Friday AEST).
Quickly out of the stalls, the John Gosden-trained three-year-old was soon into an early lead she was to maintain all the way over 2400 metres.
Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Enable reached the post five lengths clear of stablemate Coronet, to add to her wins in the English and Irish Oaks and last time out in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
She was immediately cut to even money by Paddy Power for the Arc at Chantilly on October 1.
“She got a little bit lonely (in front), but she’s done it beautifully. It’s proved she can do it from the front as well,” Gosden said.
“She’s somewhat special. I think at a mile and a half she is the best filly I’ve ever trained.
“She’ll go to the Arc.”
Dettori said she pushed her out to the line.
“I must say she got a bit bored in the end,” he said.
“I pushed her out, but I felt I had something left if someone had come to her. If you try and keep with her, they will break their lungs and that’s why she wins by five lengths.
“I had to stretch her out and she likes to have a fight on her hands. Unfortunately today there was no fight and we had to do our own thing.
“She goes there (Arc) with a favourite’s chance and with the weight allowance. She has won four Group Ones in a row by five lengths and you can’t ask for more than that.”
