Coral Eclipse New Comeback Target for Enable
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Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Enable and jockey Frankie Dettori win the Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs
Enable will not run at Royal Ascot next month, with the superstar mare's comeback delayed until the Coral Eclipse (G1) at Sandown July 6.
The John Gosden-trained 5-year-old has not run since winning the Nov. 3 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Churchill Downs in November, and an attempt to land a historic third Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) in October remains top of her agenda this season.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner/breeder Khalid Abdullah, said Wednesday: "Following a piece of work on the Limekilns (in Newmarket) this morning, both John Gosden and Frankie Dettori feel Royal Ascot will come too soon for her.
"She will now be aimed at the Eclipse at Sandown on July 6. Her main target remains the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
Enable was initially touted for a return in Friday's Investec Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom, but connections opted not to rush her back. They instead targeted Royal Ascot for either the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1)—where she faced a potential clash with last year's Arc second, Sea of Class—or the Hardwicke Stakes (G2).
With her seasonal return now pushed back again, Enable is set for a first appearance at Sandown in the Eclipse. Gosden has won the 10-furlong race three times in the past seven years with Nathaniel (2012), Golden Horn (2015), and Roaring Lion (2018).
The best of the classic generation could be in opposition in the Eclipse, although 5-year-olds have won four of the past nine runnings.
Bookmakers shortened Enable across the board for the Eclipse following the news. Ladbrokes and BetVictor made her a 3-1 favorite for the £750,000 contest.