Making Enable favourite for the Arc looks an overreaction
Enable was cut to a top price (from 5/1) to win a record third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October after completing the same feat in Saturday’s King George, but such a move looks to be an overreaction.
Enable was visually impressive at Ascot, easily beating last year’s Irish Derby winner Sovereign by 5 and a half lengths, while Japan – who was considered her chief danger – toiled a further 11 lengths behind. It was an eye-catching effort, no doubt, but there was an element of style over substance with Japan clearly running well below his best, and Timeform have taken the view that Enable did not need to improve on her past form.
Enable has been a great credit to connections and has compiled a remarkable CV but, in Timeform’s opinion, her best performance came when winning her first Arc nearly three years ago and she has her work cut out to reverse the Eclipse form with Ghaiyyath (133).
It will be fascinating to see where Enable runs next as she would meet Eclipse conqueror Ghaiyyath in the Juddmonte International, while a fascinating clash with Love awaits if she is tasked with defending her Yorkshire Oaks crown.
Duchess of Cambridge Stakes form looks strong
A length covered the first four home in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket’s July meeting, a race which didn’t appear to be an especially strong contest for a Group 2. However, subsequent performances have shone a different light.
Fev Rover – a maiden at the time – was a 28/1 chance when finishing runner-up to Albany Stakes winner Dandalla at Newmarket, but she confirmed that promise when taking a Listed race at Sandown last week. She looked value for more than the 1-length winning margin after still showing signs of inexperience.
Santosha was an even bigger price at Newmarket – sent off at 50/1 – but she too has shown there was no fluke about her close-up third, winning the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot on Sunday.
She was chased home at Ascot by Hala Hala Hala, who had finished fifth at Newmarket, adding further ballast to that form.
David Loughnane is a trainer to note
Santosha’s Princess Margaret Stakes success at Ascot on Sunday provided trainer David Loughnane with a first win in pattern company.
Loughnane was also responsible for the third home, Caroline Dale, who had run so well when filling the same position in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. These flying fillies are the yard’s flagbearers, but he has also done well with his handicappers and has shown a crucial knack for improving recruits.
Tranchee is one such horse who has benefited from the switch to Loughnane’s upwardly-mobile yard, bolting up by three and a quarter lengths at Wolverhampton on Sunday.
Loughnane had 38 winners last season but, despite racing being cancelled for nearly three months, he looks on course to surpass that tally this campaign, his current total standing at 21.
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