Enable Primed for Coral Eclipse Comeback

Trainer John Gosden and connections "could not be happier" with their superstar mare Enable, as the dual Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) heroine is set to make her eagerly anticipated return in the July 6 Coral Eclipse (G1) at Sandown.

The 5-year-old daughter of Nathaniel has not run since landing the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) in November, but is featured among 13 confirmations for the 1 1/4-mile event Monday.

She is a 5-4 chance with race sponsors Coral for the group 1 contest and connections are delighted with her pre-race work in preparation for the race. Gosden won last year's renewal with Roaring Lion.

"She's in good form," he said. "She worked under Frankie (Dettori) yesterday morning on the round gallop and I was very happy with it. The plan is to go for the Eclipse and we couldn't be happier with her."

Enable's campaign will revolve around the Arc, where she will attempt to become the first horse in history to win France's biggest race three times. She narrowly held on to defeat Sea of Class at ParisLongchamp last year.

"It's her first run back and you know the main target is on the first Sunday in October," Gosden added. "We'll try and build to that but we're happy with her. She's showing her enjoyment in training and her eagerness. Her exuberant nature is back and she has slimmed down a bit. I couldn't be more happy with her work on Saturday."

Since 2000, Nathaniel is the only horse to have won the Eclipse on their first start of the season. Enable will be having her first start in 245 days.

"We're looking forward to seeing her," Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid Abdullah, said. "All of her work suggests she has been back on track over the last two weeks. She looks like she's been enjoying it and has been moving very well under Frankie so from that point of view we couldn't be happier.

Of the opposition, he added: "There's no such thing as a 'gimmie' in a group 1 so we will have to see. She is in good form and we're looking forward to it."

Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) winner Crystal Ocean was the big name missing from the star-studded line-up at Sandown, but trainer Sir Michael Stoute remains dual represented with Al Shaqab Lockinge (G1) winner Mustashry and Regal Reality, who was an impressive scorer over course and distance last time in the Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes (G3).

Aidan O'Brien is responsible for five of the 13 potential runners, and St James's Palace Stakes (G1) victor Circus Maximus could be joined by Magical, Flag of Honour, Magic Wand, and Hunting Horn.

Hughie Morrison's impressive Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (G2) winner, Telecaster, will look to return to his best after finishing last in the Investec Derby (G1) while Prix d'Ispahan (G1) winner Zabeel Prince eyes his first domestic group 1 success.

Addeybb, Danceteria, and Knight To Behold also feature.

Sandown is expecting the ground to be on the quicker side of good to firm for Saturday's seven-race card, which also includes a group 3 and two listed prizes. The forecast is sunny and warm for the week ahead, with no rain expected, before the two-day meeting gets under way Friday.