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Gosden would relish prospect of racing 'crowd-puller' Enable at four

John Gosden (cap) speaks to Sheikh Mohammed on the first day of the Book 1 yearling sales at Tattersalls, when the sheikh bought another son of Galileo
John Gosden (blue cap) speaks to Sheikh Mohammed on the first day of the Book 1 yearling sales at Tattersalls, when the sheikh bought another son of GalileoCredit: Edward Whitaker

She bloomed in technicolour at Chantilly and John Gosden believes racing would be the winner if Enable gets the chance to wow racegoers all over again in 2018.

A decision on whether the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine will return to training at four is expected to be made by owner Khalid Abdullah within the next ten days.

But Enable would be welcomed back with open arms by Gosden, who would love to help write another chapter in the story of the wonderfilly, which began in earnest with her racecourse debut just ten months ago.

The trainer was at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday trying to find stars of the future to add to the superstar he has at home in Enable, who on Sunday made it five Group 1 wins in a row with her sublime performance at Chantilly.

Boasting a CV bulging with big-race wins, the daughter of Nathaniel will be a hot commodity when she does make it to the breeding sheds, but when exactly that will happen is still open to discussion.

"She's done everything we could have dreamed of," Gosden said. "We'll see how she is over the next ten days and talk to Prince Khalid, who will make a decision.

“She's only really had ten months of racing and it would be wonderful if she could run next season as she would be bit of a crowd-puller."

Gosden watched the race in splendid isolation from what was already his favourite grandstand at Chantilly and, reflecting on the afternoon, he said: "It was very moving. There was an awful lot of pressure and a lot was expected."

That pressure melted away as Dettori helped deliver the seventh victory of Enable's eight-race career and the trainer now has the pleasant problem of whether she, like 2015 Arc winner Golden Horn, will have a statue on the lawn at the yard to commemorate her achievement.

He added: "She's a very kind filly with a lovely, sweet nature, but when she gets her tack on she's very assertive. She was expressing herself and it was great for her and for Prince Khalid."

Having been visited on Monday by big-race partner Frankie Dettori, Enable has settled back into life at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket, and Gosden said: "She's in great form. She got back in very good order and had a trot and pick of grass this morning. She's got a little cut on a hind leg from the race but is fine."

Gosden secured several lots for Godolphin at the sales on Tuesday, with Sheikh Mohammed's operation ending their self-imposed ban on purchasing progeny from fellow superpower Coolmore earlier in the sales season.

That pattern continued with Godolphin purchasing another son of Galileo and, commenting on the thawing of relations between the two giants of the sport, Gosden said: "The past is the past."

Turning to more immediate matters, there could be further big-race success this autumn for Gosden, as Cracksman, who was under consideration for the Arc, remains on course for Ascot and Qipco Champions day.

The Great Voltigeur and Prix Niel winner is a 7-2 favourite for the 1m2f Group 1 on October 21 and, when asked about the colt, Gosden said: "He's in great order and going for the Champion Stakes."


For all the latest news go to racingpost.com


David BaxterReporter

Published on 3 October 2017inNews

Last updated 20:56, 3 October 2017

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