History beckons: why Enable's bid for a third Arc on Sunday is simply unmissable

By 3.10pm on Sunday at a famous racecourse in Paris, Enable might have completed an equally famous hat-trick in Europe's richest race, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Her bid for a third triumph and remarkable place in racing history will dominate the headlines all week, and rightly so.

There are so many reasons to care. The history, the Arc itself, the perfect partnership of John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, the fine supporting cast, and finally Enable, the superstar mare and overwhelming favourite.

It would be an extraordinary achievement if Enable could win at Longchamp again. Here are the many reasons why the Arc is the must-not-miss race of the year.

Searching for a spot in history

Enable – on a date with destiny – will attempt to win a third Arc, a feat that has yet to be achieved and would set her apart from the equine greats.

The strapping mare became the eighth horse to win two Arcs when holding off the late challenge of Sea Of Class at Longchamp last year, adding to her more convincing success at the race's temporary home of Chantilly two years ago.

However, none of the previous seven managed to complete the hat-trick, with Treve the only horse to have attempted the treble in the prestigious race's history. She finished fourth, with Gosden and Dettori playing the role of party poopers in 2015 when winning with Golden Horn.

Treve won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice but could not complete the hat-trickCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Enable's ace team will be hoping no-one adopts that role this weekend.

A fabulous race even without Enable

The Arc is Europe's richest race and even without Enable's involvement it would still be a focal point of any season.

The 1m4f event is worth €5,000,000 with €2,857,000 going to the winner. It typically brings together the cream of the Classic generation and the best of the older brigade to create memorable clashes.

Japan (left) is a leading challenger to Enable's historic Arc bidCredit: John Grossick

Taking Enable out of contention would still leave a thrilling contest between Juddmonte International winner Japan, Irish Champion Stakes victor Magical, wide-margin Grosser Preis von Baden scorer Ghaiyyath and Sottsass, impressive in the Prix du Jockey Club, with the likes of Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck and last year's Arc fourth Waldgeist further down the supporting cast.

Enable will rightfully dominate the week-long build-up, but the Arc is not solely about one superstar. It rarely is.

Enable's rise to superstar status

Racing tends to latch on quickly to a superstar in Juddmonte's famous pink, green and white silks, but Enable was something of a slow-burner who has blossomed into a marvellous mare.

A low-key winner on the all-weather at two, Enable suffered the only blemish on her otherwise faultless CV when beaten on her return at Newbury at three.

Her subsequent streak of 12 wins has showcased her stamina, speed, guts, brilliance and versatility, featuring dominant Classic victories at Epsom and the Curragh and the magnificence of her first Arc win.

Gutsy mare: Enable's stature was boosted by a brilliant, hard-fought win over Crystal Ocean in the King George And Queen Elizabeth StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

She recovered from a lengthy layoff last year to bravely hold off Sea Of Class for her second Arc, and overcame a difficult passage at the Breeders' Cup less than a month later.

And then there was her titanic tussle in the King George, where lesser horses would have cried enough in a pulsating battle against the superb Crystal Ocean, a fight she emerged from unscathed, endearing herself further to her legion of fans.

The Gosden and Dettori factor

Gosden and Dettori have had quite a summer. Their partnership has been prolific in the big races this season, as evidenced again on Saturday when Lord North cruised to victory in the Cambridgeshire.

Frankie Dettori and John Gosden have forged a formidable partnershipCredit: Edward Whitaker

The combination has won 12 Group 1s since Anapurna's Oaks success on May 31, a haul that includes a Gold Cup, Coral-Eclipse, Irish Oaks, King George, Goodwood Cup, Sussex Stakes and St Leger, to name a few.

Seven is a number Dettori will forever be remembered for but should Enable win at Longchamp on Sunday, it will also be the number of wins the Arc's most successful jockey has accumulated in the race.

Few can rise to the big occasion like Dettori can.

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