Anapurna Could Swerve York to Target Prix Vermeille

Investec Oaks (G1) winner Anapurna is not certain to tackle star stablemate Enable in the Aug. 22 Darley Yorkshire Oaks (G1) as the Prix Vermeille (G1) at ParisLongchamp next month remains under consideration.The participation of Anapurna, who kickstarted Frankie Dettori's stunning run of form when she won the Racebets Money Back All Losers Oaks Trial, is dependent on her proving she has recovered from her Epsom exploits and there being suitable ease in the ground.

"We haven't definitely decided that we're going to run at York. We're going to see how things pan out and what the weather's doing, and take a view at the last minute," said owner-breeder Mark Weinfeld of Meon Valley Stud. "She had quite a hard race in the Oaks so we wanted to give her plenty of time to come back. The Prix Vermeille could be another option. We're taking it day by day."

Trainer John Gosden has an embarrassment of riches in the middle-distance division, with Anapurna, Coronet, Lah Ti Dar, Star Catcher, and Enbihaar featuring among a talented crop of fillies and mares.

However, there is no doubt the standout is Enable, and Weinfeld admitted the dual Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) winner's presence at York does not make a trip to the Knavesmire any more enticing.

"I think it does make the Yorkshire Oaks a less-appealing proposition as we'd be hard pushed to win," he said. "I think Enable is pretty unbeatable. I've been going through the form looking for holes but I've not found any yet. We'll do what John thinks is right for the filly, he's the trainer. But it might be that going for the Prix Vermeille with a fresh horse could be equally appealing."

Weinfeld also part-owns Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (G2) winner Telecaster, who was disappointing behind Enable in the Coral-Eclipse (G1), but a reason for the performance subsequently emerged.

"We did an in-depth veterinary examination on Telecaster and he actually got a bit jarred up," Weinfeld explained. "We're giving him quite a bit of time off and he might not run again this year. There's a chance he'll run later in the season, but otherwise we'll wait and start off with a fresh horse for next year."