Star Gosden duo primed for Ebor Festival

John Gosden has confirmed his star mare Enable will head to the Ebor Festival after looking sharp during a workout with Frankie Dettori.

The five-year-old made it 11 wins in a row as she edged Crystal Ocean by a neck to win the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot on July 27.

Nine of her wins have come at Group 1 level and she can extend that run in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday week.

After recently suggesting a trip to the Knavesmire was on the cards, Gosden has added his belief the trip will suit her as connections look ahead to her bid for a record third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

“We are pointing at the Yorkshire Oaks – we were keen to stay at a mile and a half, rather than coming back in trip again – and obviously trying to use it as a springboard to the Arc,” said the champion trainer.

Enable is the 1/5 ante-post favourite heading into the race, with stablemates Coronet and Anapurna both 8/1.

The Clarehaven-handler has also talked up Stradivarius’ plans for the Ebor Festival, with next Friday’s Lonsdale Cup her goal.

An eighth straight success in last month’s Goodwood Cup added to his profile, with this son of Sea The Stars “training up nicely” after his success in West Sussex.

That came after his Gold Cup win at Royal Ascot, the second time in as many races he has defeated Mark Johnston’s Dee Ex Bee.

Like Enable, he too has struck up a fruitful relationship with Dettori and Gosden believes the trick now is to ensure his form does not fall off over the next few days.

“He’s as cheeky as ever!” he said of the stayer. “He’s full of himself, a very happy horse. He’s training up nicely for the race.

“Obviously, the Goodwood Cup was not that long ago, so we come into the Lonsdale just trying to keep the freshness in him.”

Whenever you bet on Racing, Betfred