Can anything stop Enable in the quest for Arc glory?
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Gosden filly remains strong favourite
With just a few days to go until the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the question on everyone’s lips is, ‘Can anything stop Enable?’
Europe’s most prestigious race, run at Chantilly, is the third-richest racing contest in the world.
The €120,000 it cost to supplement Enable for this biggie will be a drop in the ocean if she wins.
With stablemate Cracksman officially ruled out, John Gosden’s three-year-old has consolidated her original favouritism.
Frankie Dettori is on board with the 49-year-old star looking to make history with a fifth Arc triumph.
Enable has been a model of consistency and world-class quality all season, with four Group One wins in a row to her name.
However, the Arc will be her biggest test yet. And the field – while not a classic – remains highly competitive.
The Coral News Team take a look at the most likely contenders.
High hopes for Ulysses
Going by the odds, Sir Michael Stoute’s Ulysses looks the pick of the outside bunch.
The four-year-old son of Galileo has struck Group One gold twice this season, winning the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and the Juddmonte International.
However, there are concerns over his gas tank as he visibly tired near the end of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Enable beat him by nearly five lengths that day. He did go on to win the Juddmonte at York after that and connections are confident of a good run here.
O’Brien stable in with a strong chance
One way or another, the Ballydoyle stable is going to have a strong say in this year’s Arc. Aidan O’Brien will have five runners in the field.
Winter, Order of St.George, Idaho, Capri, and Seventh Heaven have all been declared.
Of that quintet, Winter and Capri look most interesting.
Ryan Moore rides on Winter and will be confident of causing an upset here.
The three-year-old flyer has been in magnificent form this season, with four Group One wins under her belt.
In reality, she looks the most likely challenge to her fellow filly, Enable.
However, Irish Derby and St. Leger winner Capri looks intriguing here too.
If this three-year-old star isn’t feeling the effects of the win at Doncaster, he could pull off a major shock.
Best of the rest
Brametot – winner of the French Guineas and Derby – is expected to front-up the French challenge.
Alain de Royer-Dupré’s Zarak will also be in contention having proved her class with a big win at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
Andre Fabre runs Cloth Of Stars, Plumatic and Doha Dream, with Germany’s hopes hinging on Dschingis Secret, winner of the Prix Foy.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
