Who are the likely candidates to shine with injured Enable on the sidelines?

With Enable out of action until August at the earliest, there are several opportunities for other older horses to take centre stage over middle distances at the highest level. Here are five horses who could benefit from her absence

The most obvious beneficiary can also be found at John Gosden's Clarehaven Stables. A clash between the pair is keenly anticipated and could have happened at Ascot in July in the Qipco King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, but may not occur now until the Arc. Cracksman now has a golden chance to dominate this season's midsummer highlights.

Runner-up to Enable in last season's Arc, Cloth Of Stars is a solid Group 1 performer who might be able to take advantage of her enforced spell on the sidelines. Andre Fabre's five-year-old has already finished behind Cracksman and Hawkbill this season so has a bit of work to do to turn around the form.

Defoe gallops on powerfully to win the Jockey Club StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The retirement of Postponed last season was a big void to fill, but hopes are high in the Roger Varian camp they have a ready made replacement in Defoe. The early signs this season have been highly encouraging with wins in the John Porter and Jockey Club Stakes. The four-year-old will need to step up on those efforts in Group 1 company, but that looks possible.

Hawkbill
The Meydan winter sun agreed with Hawkbill, as he bagged two wins, notably the Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night. Now five, he holds entries for the Coronation Cup and Prince of Wales's Stakes and has shaped as though he is ready to take his form to the next level.

For there to be any benefit to the 2,000 Guineas winner in the next few months, several factors would need to align. First, Saxon Warrior needs to stay further than a mile; second, he needs to be pitched in against his elders this season. Facing older horses would be unlikely until the backend of this year, by which time Enable will hopefully be back on track.

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