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Tougher test than expected for Enable as Magical is added to Yorkshire Oaks

Magical again left in Enable's wake in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday
Enable (left) beat Magical in the Coral-Eclipse at SandownCredit: Getty Images

Enable will not have things all her own way in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks next Thursday as old adversary Magical has been supplemented for the 1m4f Group 1.

The dual Arc heroine beat Magical by three-quarters of a length in the Breeders' Cup Turf on her final start last season and by the same margin on her return in the Coral-Eclipse, but had to work hard on both occasions.

Trainer John Gosden had hoped to use the Yorkshire Oaks as the perfect stepping stone on the road to Longchamp, where Enable will bid to win a historic third Arc, but the presence of Magical, who is rated just 4lb inferior, means a stiffer test than expected is in store.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "At the moment that's the way we're thinking with Magical. We have some colts who could take their chance in the Juddmonte [International Stakes] and we're looking to get a run into her as she's just back from a midsummer break. She's ready to start back."

Magical has not run since Sandown, whereas Enable enhanced her already stellar reputation by beating Crystal Ocean in a King George for the ages at Ascot. Crystal Ocean had previously beaten Magical in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Anapurna, a stablemate of Enable, features among seven confirmations at the six-day stage, but connections have warned she may not run at York and instead wait for the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp next month.

Gosden, who has an incredibly strong bunch of middle-distance fillies and mares, could also run Lah Ti Dar, while O'Brien could turn to South Sea Pearl.

Sun Maiden (Sir Michael Stoute) and Manuela De Vega (Ralph Beckett) complete the possible runners.

Magical has been installed at 7-2 in a market Enable dominates as the 2-5 favourite. It is 12-1 bar the pair.

The unbeaten Under The Stars has been supplemented to Thursday's Sky Bet Lowther Stakes.

Trained by James Tate, she won on her debut at Ripon and then in a Group 3 at Ascot last month.


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Published on 16 August 2019inNews

Last updated 16:34, 16 August 2019

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